Part-Time (0.6FTE- 0.8FTE) | 12-Month Contract | Identified Position
At the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), we are committed to research that creates lasting improvements in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities.
We are seeking an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Research Assistant to join the ICARE Research Program and Coolamon Team within the Aboriginal Families and Communities Health Research Alliance (ACRA).
This identified role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to culturally responsive maternal and child health research that supports Aboriginal families through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
Working alongside community members, healthcare professionals and researchers, you will help deliver a wraparound care model designed to improve outcomes for Aboriginal parents, babies and families across South Australia.
Key responsibilities include:
- Support the delivery of the ICARE Research Program and priority projects within the Aboriginal Families and Communities Health Research Alliance (ACRA).
- Engage with and support pregnant women and their key support persons throughout their participation in the Coolamon program.
- Coordinate participant recruitment, informed consent, enrolment and follow-up activities in accordance with research protocols.
- Connect participants with the wraparound care model and assist families to access available supports and services.
- Undertake accurate and timely data collection, and record management to support research outcomes.
- Assist with consultation workshops, community engagement activities, interviews and other research data collection activities.
- Work collaboratively with maternity services, healthcare professionals, researchers and community stakeholders across multiple sites.
- Participate in Aboriginal cultural activities, team events and initiatives that promote culturally safe research practices.
- Maintain compliance with ethical, privacy and research governance requirements.
About You
The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:
- Extensive experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health/ Health Research, specifically maternal and child health
- Experience working in Aboriginal research projects.
- Experience in accurate data collection and record keeping.
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
- Experience using research digital tools and databases.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a focus and commitment to assisting staff and meeting deadlines.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
- Excellent organisational skills, with ability to manage time and priorities effectively and use initiative.
Special Requirements
- Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- Some out of hours’ work may be required.
- DCSI Working with Children Check employment screening and National Police Clearance are required.
- Primarily located at SAHMRI North Terrace and will be expected to work at one or two maternity hospital sites as directed including (but not limited to) The Women and Children’s Hospital and Lyell McEwin Hospital. Some Travel is required amongst locations and the community.
- Access to a car and drivers licence.
- SAHMRI is required to implement the Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination policy for SAHMRI employees carrying out work in any SA Health Facility.
- Immunisation Risk for this position is Category A (direct contact with blood or body substances)
Why Join SAHMRI?
- Make a real difference to Aboriginal maternal and child health outcomes
- Be part of a culturally safe and supportive Aboriginal-led research team
- Build valuable experience in community-based health research
- Work across leading South Australian maternity and health services
- Access salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 annually
- Flexible part-time opportunity (0.6–0.8 FTE)
- Contribute to research that informs policy, practice and improved care
Everything we do is underpinned by our values of Excellence, Innovation, Courage, Integrity and Teamwork.
We are proud of the impact our research makes in communities and are committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive workplace where people can thrive personally and professionally.
For more information, please contact Renae Holmberg at [email protected]
Applications close: Thursday 6th August 2026
Applications may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is found prior to the close date.
SAHMRI considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under sub-s 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA). To be eligible to apply for this position, applicants must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and proof of Aboriginality will be required.
