Research Coordinator

Wuchopperen Health Service Ltd; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 106,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + super

Salary sacrifice benefits

5 weeks leave

Personal leave pro rata

Professional development

Employee EAP

Job summary

Wuchopperen Health Service Ltd is seeking a Research Coordinator to provide high-level strategic advice, analysis, and support for research initiatives aligned with Indigenous health priorities. You will guide governance, ethics, and data management, while coordinating the Research Committee and reporting to executives.

Applicants should bring substantial experience in health research within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with strong analytical, collaboration, and

Qualifications

• For applicants: expert advice to researchers in ACCHO settings.
• Strong knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and effective communication.
• High-level analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving abilities demonstrated by research.
• Cultivates innovation, drives results, and supports Wuchopperen’s research vision.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with stakeholders including Indigenous communities.
• Ability to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team, meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice on research planning and development activities.
• Coordinate research governance processes and ensure compliance with ethical standards.
• Lead development of research tools, templates, and guidelines across disciplines.
• Identify priority research opportunities and facilitate collaborations with researchers and institutions.
• Prepare reports and briefs for leadership, committee, and board as required.
• Support continuous improvement and data management practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research governance guidance

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Policy compliance

Education

Masters or PhD in health science or related field

Significant equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Research management systems

Job description

Administrative and grade 7

$105,972.38- $116,497.31 per annum

‘A culturally dynamic community where everyone thrives in health and wellbeing’.

Wuchopperen is a Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Organisation providing holistic health care services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Cairns.

Benefits of working with Wuchopperen:

We provide a positive work culture and a diverse and inclusive environment. Our people matter to us, and we are committed to supporting them:

• Competitive Salary + 12% Super + Salary Sacrifice (up to $15,899 for tax free benefits and $2,650 p/a for entertainment benefits).
• 5 weeks annual leave and 15 days personal leave pro rata.
• Commitment to professional development.
• EAP for employees and family members.

About the role:

The Research Coordinator provides high-level strategic advice, analysis, and research support to the Director of Medical Services and the Wuchopperen Research Committee.

The role is responsible for facilitating the development of high-quality research initiatives that align with Wuchopperen's priorities and contribute to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The position supports researchers and stakeholders in the development, review, and implementation of research projects, including guidance on research governance, ethical approval processes, and compliance requirements.

The Research Coordinator also provides secretariat support to the Research Committee and prepares reports and recommendations for the Executive Leadership Team and Board as required. The Research Coordinator is supervised by the Director, Medical Services and the position has no supervisory responsibilities.

This position works closely with other members of the Research Committee and the Service Excellence Unit and maintains regular contact with other program staff to ensure effective outcomes for clients.

Key responsibilities:

• Apply specialist research knowledge and skills to support researchers engaging with Wuchopperen Health Service in the design, development, and implementation of evidence-based research projects.
• Provide expert guidance on research governance processes and ensure compliance with relevant frameworks, including:
• National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025);
• Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018);
• First Nations research ethics, data sovereignty and governance principles, and;
• Relevant Wuchopperen policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and support research ethics and governance processes, including the review of applications and guidance regarding approval pathways and requirements.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of research tools, templates, guidelines, and resources to support research across all professional disciplines within Wuchopperen.
• Provide strategic advice on research planning and development activities, including identifying priority research opportunities and developing protocols, standards, and guidelines.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and establish productive partnerships with researchers, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and evidence-informed practice throughout the organisation.
• Build and strengthen research capability across Wuchopperen by developing and delivering research training, education, and mentoring opportunities, and facilitating collaborative research activities with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide guidance to researchers regarding best practice data management, documentation, storage, and the use of relevant research information systems.
• Coordinate Research Committee meetings, including agenda preparation, documentation, minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Prepare reports, briefs, and recommendations for the Director of Medical Services, Executive Leadership Team, Research Committee, and Board as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement processes to ensure compliance with relevant standards and safe, effective service delivery.
• Gather and record statistical data relevant to measuring performance against agreed indicators and participate in review and evaluation activities.
• Participate in organisational and community activities to advance the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Work within Wuchopperen’s Policies and Procedures including the Staff Code of Conduct and the Work Health and Safety requirements and contribute to continuous improvement processes to ensure compliance with relevant standards and safe, effective service delivery.
• Other duties as required, within your skills, experience and capacity.

Assessment of merit for this role will be based on the knowledge, skills and experience, potential for development and personal qualities. The competencies listed below are considered to the most critical for success in this role.

For applicants to be successful in this role, they should demonstrate:

• Demonstrated experience providing expert advice to researchers regarding the design and conduct of health research within an ACCHO setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures from an historical and contemporary perspective, including the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• High level analytical, conceptual, and problem solving skills, demonstrated through innovative approaches to research.
• Cultivates innovation, is action orientated, drives results and supports Wuchopperen’s vision and purpose relating to research and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Extensively developed interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders as well as effectively advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a multi-disciplinary team environment, prioritise and meet deadlines, deal with matters of a sensitive and confidential nature.
• Demonstrated ability to meet and work within the core values and behaviours of Wuchopperen.

Qualifications and experience:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification; ideally a Masters or PhD qualification in health science, research, public health or related discipline or significant equivalent experience in a similar role.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, conducting, reporting, and publishing research in peer reviewed journals.
• It is a condition of employment in this role for the employee to be, and remain, vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), pertussis (whooping cough) and hepatitis B
• It is recommended for the employee to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Proof of qualifications and current registration is required to be provided prior to the commencement of duty.
• Possession of a current CPR certificate or commitment to obtain within the first six weeks of employment is essential.
• Possession of a current Queensland “CA” class driver’s licence is essential.
• Commitment to work within the principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control including a willingness to develop the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• All employees are responsible for the safety of themselves, students, visitors, volunteers and fellow staff members. Employees must report any hazards or incidents, co-operate in emergency drills, undertake Workplace H&S training as required, and lodge risk assessments for all external and internal risk activities.
• Ability to use Microsoft products and the ability to use or willingness to gain proficiency in the client information management systems.

Requirements:

• Hold a current Blue Card (for suitability to work with children and young people).
• Proof of qualifications is required to be provided prior to the commencement of duty.
• Possess a current driver’s licence.
• A commitment to adhere to Wuchopperen’s policies and procedures.

Applicants who do not address these requirements, will not be considered for shortlisting.

Note: Revised legislation requires applicants to hold a blue card prior to commencement. Refer to Qld Government’s Blue Card Services website for more information.

Wuchopperen is a Child Safe Organisation and the safety and wellbeing of children is of utmost importance.

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Monday 2nd November 2026