Research Coordinator Refugee and Multicultural Health

Mater Health Services; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 87,000 - 92,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation

Salary packaging up to $15,900

Staff benefits

Job summary

Mater Health Services in Brisbane is seeking a Research Coordinator for a 12-month, part-time role (0.8 FTE preferred, 0.6 FTE considered). Commencing January 2027, you will help establish a new research unit within a clinical service focused on refugee, asylum seeker and multicultural health.

You will lead governance, systems development and project delivery, working with a multidisciplinary team to advance evidence, equity and policy impact while managing budgets, ethics and reporting.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in public health, health services research, health management, social sciences, nursing, allied health, medicine, project or program management, or a related discipline.
• Experience coordinating complex health, research, community or service-improvement projects under broad direction.
• Experience contributing to research design, ethics and governance processes, data management, evaluation, research outputs and/or competitive grant applications.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the establishment, governance, operational planning and delivery of the research program.
• Develop and implement research systems, processes and reporting frameworks to support effective program delivery.
• Lead the coordination of research, evaluation and quality improvement projects from concept through to completion.
• Collaborate with clinicians, researchers, communities and stakeholders to identify research priorities and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with universities, government agencies, healthcare providers and community organisations.
• Support culturally safe research practices and meaningful engagement with refugee and multicultural communities.
• Identify funding opportunities and coordinate grant applications, budgets and supporting documentation.
• Translate research findings into improvements in clinical practice, service delivery and policy.
• Prepare research reports, presentations, publications and other communication materials.
• Support research capability development through mentoring, education and practical guidance.
• Ensure compliance with research ethics, governance, privacy and organisational requirements.
• Monitor project budgets, milestones, performance and research outcomes.

Skills

Refugee health knowledge

Program management

Research ethics & governance

Collaboration & communication

Cultural safety & equity

Analytical & writing skills

Education

Public health / health services

Postgraduate qualification desirable

Job description

About the role

The refugee and Multicultural Health team are seeking applications for a Research Coordinator. This is a 12 month fixed-term, part-time opportunity with flexibility in working arrangements. The role is ideally 0.8 FTE, with applications for 0.6 FTE also considered. This role is set to commence January 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity to support the establishment of a new research unit embedded within a clinical service with strong community engagement and a policy focus. The Research Coordinator will work with a dedicated multidisciplinary team to strengthen the evidence base in refugee, asylum seeker and multicultural health. We are seeking an organised and collaborative candidate with research experience, ideally involving priority populations experiencing health inequities, and a strong commitment to health equity.

Salary range: $62.74 - $67.20 per hour plus superannuation and access to not-for-profit salary packaging up to $15,900 + access to many staff benefits!

What you’ll be doing

• Coordinate the establishment, governance, operational planning and delivery of the research program.
• Develop and implement research systems, processes and reporting frameworks to support effective program delivery.
• Lead the coordination of research, evaluation and quality improvement projects from concept through to completion.
• Collaborate with clinicians, researchers, communities and stakeholders to identify research priorities and opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with universities, government agencies, healthcare providers and community organisations.
• Support culturally safe research practices and meaningful engagement with refugee and multicultural communities.
• Identify funding opportunities and coordinate grant applications, budgets and supporting documentation.
• Translate research findings into improvements in clinical practice, service delivery and policy.
• Prepare research reports, presentations, publications and other communication materials.
• Support research capability development through mentoring, education and practical guidance.
• Ensure compliance with research ethics, governance, privacy and organisational requirements.
• Monitor project budgets, milestones, performance and research outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

• Tertiary qualification in public health, health services research, health management, social sciences, nursing, allied health, medicine, project or program management, or a related discipline. A relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex health, research, community or service-improvement projects under broad direction.
• Experience contributing to research design, ethics and governance processes, data management, evaluation, research outputs and/or competitive grant applications.

Skills and knowledge

• Demonstrated understanding of refugee and multicultural health, migration experiences and/or social determinants of health and health inequities affecting people from refugee, asylum seeker and multicultural backgrounds.
• Strong program and project management skills, including governance, work planning, risk management, budgets, reporting and delivery across competing priorities.
• Sound knowledge of responsible research conduct, human research ethics, governance, privacy and data-management requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborations and communicate effectively with executives, clinicians, researchers, community organisations and people with lived experience.
• Demonstrated cultural capability and commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed, participatory and equity-focused approaches.
• Highly developed written, analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams.

Why join us?

Mater is Queensland’s largest not-for-profit network of public and private hospitals and healthcare services, bringing together world-class expertise across healthcare, education, fundraising & philanthropy and research. With more than 14,000 employees, 13 facilities and almost 700,000 patients cared for each year, we’re committed to empowering people to live better lives through improved health and wellbeing.

At Mater, our people are at the heart of everything we do. You'll join a values-driven organisation that combines compassionate care with innovation, education and research, creating meaningful career opportunities while making a genuine difference in the communities we serve.

What’s in it for you?

• Career growth opportunities across healthcare, corporate, research and leadership pathways
• Professional development and learning through Mater Education and internal development programs
• Generous salary packaging to help maximise your take-home pay
• Health and wellbeing support, including EAP, pastoral care and discounted private health insurance
• Fitness Passport access and a range of lifestyle, retail and travel discounts
• Discounted parking and reduced prices at Mater cafés and coffee outlets
• A supportive culture where your contributions are recognised and your development matters

Whether you're looking to grow your career, develop new skills or be part of something meaningful, Mater provides the opportunity to thrive while making a lasting impact.

Applications close 6th November 2026 – please note, we may contact applicants prior to the closing date.

Direct applications only — we are not engaging recruitment agencies at this time. All successful candidates may be required to complete pre-employment checks (including criminal history, working rights, medical and working with children checks).

Mater offers a safe, supportive, flexible and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Mater ensures all children have an environment suitable for their safety and wellbeing through proper supervision and safeguarding practices.