Research Assistant- Identified

UNSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 83,000 - 101,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Culture leave 10 days

Indigenous Employee Network

Flexible working

Christmas leave extension

Lifelong learning

Progressive HR practices

Job summary

The Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney invites applications for a Research Assistant (Identified). This part-time role (17.5 hours/week) is fixed term until 31 May 2030, with base remuneration of $92,265 pro rata plus 17% superannuation and leave loading, and the option for remote work or Sydney-based work.

The successful candidate will support the EPIWATCH team, translate Aboriginal languages, engage with First Nations communities, and contribute to culturally informed epidemic intelligence

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification with experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research.
• Experience translating terms into Aboriginal languages.
• Ability to work with First Nations communities with cultural safety.
• Experience engaging stakeholders across Australia.
• Experience in health research or public health setting.

Responsibilities

• Support EPIWATCH team with culturally informed epidemic intelligence.
• Translate Aboriginal languages for research terms.
• Coordinate consultations with First Nations stakeholders.
• Assist with community engagement and project activities.

Skills

Indigenous health research

Public health research

Translation work

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

This Job is based in Australia

Research Assistant (The Kirby Institute) - Identified

• Employment Type: Part - time (17.5 hours a week)
• Duration: Fixed term until 31st May 2030
• Remuneration: $92,265 base pro rata, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading
• UNSW offers up to 10 days paid culture leave annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Location: Remote available and/or Sydney.

This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only. UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of an Indigenous workforce.

About The Kirby Institute

The Kirby Institute is a world-leading health research institute at UNSW Sydney. We work to eliminate infectious diseases, globally. Our specialisation is in developing health solutions for the most at-risk communities. Putting communities at the heart of our research, we develop tests, treatments, cures and prevention strategies that have the greatest chance of success.

Details of the role

The Research Assistant (Identified) is an identified role, as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The position is based within the Yandamanjang First Nations Health Research Program and will work closely with the Biosecurity Program to support EPIWATCH®, contributing to culturally informed epidemic intelligence research and strengthening infectious disease surveillance relevant to First Nations communities. The role will receive leadership and support through the Yandamanjang Program while undertaking day-to-day research activities as part of the multidisciplinary EPIWATCH® team for example by translating Aboriginal languages.

The role reports to the head of the Yandamanjang First Nations Health Research Program and has no direct reports.

Some Key Skills Required

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and lived experience, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, public health or a related discipline.
• Knowledge and experience in the “Top End” languages (Warlpiri, Yolngu Matha [Yolŋu languages] and Kriol) and cultures.
• Assist with translation of key search terms into priority Aboriginal languages (Warlpiri, Yolngu Matha [Yolŋu languages] and Kriol) in collaboration with the EPIWATCH® AI team.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols when engaging with communities.
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders, with the ability to build respectful and culturally safe relationships.
• Liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders across Australia and coordinate consultations to identify infectious disease outbreaks of importance to First Nations communities, including those involving antimicrobial resistance.
• Demonstrated experience supporting and contributing to research, community engagement or project activities, preferably in a health or research setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.

UNSW Benefits And Culture

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading
• Up to 10 days paid culture leave annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Indigenous Employee Network
• Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

Pre-Employment Checks

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role. This role requires Confirmation/Evidencing Aboriginality.

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Contact

For more information on how UNSW contributes to Indigenous initiatives, please contact Nat Chenhall, Manager of Indigenous Employment on Email: [e-mail]

For more information on UNSW’s recruitment process please contact Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate on Email: [e-mail]

Applications close

Monday 2nd November 2026 before 11.30pm

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.