People of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background are strongly encouraged
to apply.
About The Team
The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change (Ngangk Yira) is one of four Murdoch University institutes and brings together leading researchers working in two Research Centres with colleagues from across the University and broader academic and other sectors to deliver world class multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary translational research benefitting the Aboriginal community, government, and health and service sectors. Ngangk Yira brings together the disciplines that contribute to ensuring quality research evidence underpins Murdoch University’s commitment to excellence in Aboriginal health and social equity and transformative research that translates to meet community needs.
Ngangk Yira is founded on principles of Aboriginal-led research, community engagement, and professional collaborations. Through meaningful and structured engagement with Aboriginal Elders and Aboriginal communities, Ngangk Yira is committed to the preservation and promotion of cultural wisdom and data sovereignty and ensuring meaningful, co-designed research which supports change in health, wellbeing and social equity for Aboriginal people, families, and communities.
Ngangk Yira’s reputation in diverse Aboriginal-led translational research is organised across two Research and Advocacy Centres and a Systems and Policy Unit. These are:
1)The health of Aboriginal women, men, children and families - Yorga, Maaman and Koolanga Research and Advocacy Centre; and
2)Healthy Aboriginal families and communities - Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre.
3)Responsive and accountable health and social systems – the Systems and Policy Unit.
Your New Role!
Located in Perth, as a member of the Coolamon Team the Research Assistant will provide a professional level of research support to the ICARE Research Program (an NHMRC funded program aimed at providing coordinated and culturally responsive wraparound continuity of care to women and their infants, from pregnancy to 18 months post birth).
Supporting the Coolamon Navigator, this Research Assistant role undertakes recruitment, enrolling and consenting participants, data collection (including a 12-month post-birth study visit) and managing relationships with participating health services in the ICARE Program Perth metropolitan area.
Ideally an Aboriginal appointment, the role is highly suited to someone with healthcare and/or research experience, and a cultural understanding of birthing for Aboriginal women and families.
Your key responsibilities will include –
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Providing research support to the Coolamon Navigator/ICARE Program and working collaboratively as part of the team.
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Work effectively in diverse settings (e.g. ACCHO, hospitals/health services), liaising with stakeholders, health care professionals, researchers, study investigators, and colleagues.
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Undertake research activities as directed, including:
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Organising and following up potential research participants.
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Undertake enrolment and informed consent of participants into ICARE programs.
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Referring participants for the care package and supporting their participation.
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Attending, and supporting consultation workshops.
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Maintaining accurate data collection and data milestone completion.
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Participation in Aboriginal and ICARE team cultural activities.
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Taking reasonable care to protect own health, safety and welfare at work and avoid affecting the health and safety of any other person at work.
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Adhering to the Institute’s Work, Health and Safety Management System and related regulations and guidelines.
Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further details.
What We Offer You!
This Fixed Term (ending November 2027) | Part time (22.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $73k– $80K (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.
You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.
As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:
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Enjoy a 2% salary increase under the Enterprise Agreement, effective July 2026
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Flexible work arrangements
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Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
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Indigenous Language Allowance
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Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
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Employee Assistance Program
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On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic
For further information, check out our benefits and services page!
Join us!
Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -
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A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
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Your most recent resume (CV)
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Demonstrated experience of working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples/communities and/or Aboriginal women and their families.
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Experience working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and contributing to the successful achievement of the research program goals, whilst demonstrating a strong work ethic.
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Ability to successfully engage with Aboriginal people as research participants and conduct culturally safe interviews as part of the data collection for the project.
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Demonstrated problem solving skills and the ability to identify and recommend solutions to challenging issues.
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Strong spoken and written communications and interpersonal skills, including the ability to choose culturally safe environments in which to meet with project participants.
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Ability to manage and undertake work in a timely way and meet required milestones.
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Computer literacy and proficiency in the production of accurate work using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlooks, Teams), ability to accurately transcribe interviews and the capability and willingness to learn and manage new software packages.
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Current C Class Driver’s License.
Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check and have a valid working with children check or the ability to register for one in accordance with the University's Criminal Record Screening Procedure and Employee Background Checks Procedure.
Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.
Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.
Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.
Contact Us
For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Nicola Amanda D’Souza, Research Fellow. [email protected], and quote JR104974 as the reference.
Applications Close on 15 July 2026 (11:59pm AWST)
The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.
Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.
Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.
