Full-time, 3 years fixed term at Camperdown with hybrid working arrangements available
New role, First Nations Research Support Lead creating lasting impact through culturally safe, ethical and community-centred research
Base Salary $117,133 + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
Read about our commitment to First Nations Faculty of Medicine and Health, First Nations Employment Brochure.
This position has been designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Should your application be progressed, you will be required to provide your confirmation of identity documents. Your recruiter will be in touch to advise you on how to confirm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status.
Join a supportive, inclusive and purpose-driven community at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health, where world-class research and teaching are transforming lives locally and globally.
The Faculty of Medicine and Health is establishing a new First Nations Research Support function to strengthen culturally appropriate, ethical and impactful research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. This exciting new initiative reflects the Faculty's commitment to the First Nations Strategy of “First Nations People Living Their Healthiest Lives”
As the First Nations Research Support Lead , you will play a pivotal role in building this function from the ground up. Working within the Research and Development team and in close partnership with the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health , you will develop best-practice frameworks, resources and support services that enable researchers to undertake culturally safe, community-informed and ethically robust research.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of First Nations research across the Faculty, foster meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities and stakeholders, and contribute to research that creates lasting impact and positive health outcomes.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
As the First Nations Research Support Lead, you will:
lead the development and delivery of the Faculty's First Nations research support function
develop frameworks, guidance, tools and resources that promote best practice in First Nations research
establish and maintain the First Nations Research Support Hub and research repository
provide expert advice on Indigenous research ethics, governance, community engagement and funding opportunities
support researchers with ethics submissions, grant development and culturally appropriate research practices
build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations communities, researchers, University stakeholders and external organisations
coordinate targeted First Nations research funding initiatives
supervise and mentor the First Nations Research Support Officer
drive continuous improvement across research support services
About you
You will bring:
demonstrated experience supporting or leading First Nations research within a research-intensive environment
strong knowledge of Indigenous research ethics, governance and community engagement
experience developing research frameworks, resources or strategic initiatives
excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
strong planning, organisational and project management capabilities
experience supporting research funding, ethics submissions and compliance requirements
Why work with us
We are committed to creating a culturally safe, supportive and inclusive workplace for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Key benefits include:
generous cultural leave and flexible working arrangements
access to the YURA Network and FMH First Nations Staff Network , offering cultural connection, mentoring, peer support, networking, experience sharing, and professional development opportunities for First Nations staff.
tax-efficient salary packaging options for cars, laptops, and additional contributions to your superannuation fund
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks and declarations
Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Cecilia Blamey, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].
© The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Tuesday 15 September 2026 11:59 PM
