Research Project Officer (YMK)

MU Murdoch University; Shire Of Narrogin; On-site; AUD 82,000 - 92,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

Indigenous Language Allowance

Salary packaging

Employee Assistance Program

On-campus services

Job summary

Murdoch University invites applications for a Research Project Officer within the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change. The role supports an externally funded program to improve practice and care coordination when child protection intervenes with pregnant mothers and newborns.

Collaboration with Aboriginal-led components and culturally safe practices is central. The role is fixed term, part time (30 hours per week), and requires engagement with Aboriginal communities, health services, and government

Qualifications

• Relevant undergraduate qualification or progress towards an undergraduate qualification and/or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience in a related area.
• Previous experience in a similar role, demonstrating the ability to work in an inclusive team with a diversity of cultures, ideally in an education, welfare or health sector.
• Excellent professional communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills with a diversity of levels of staff within a university including senior/elder cultural stakeholders.
• Superior time management and workload management skills; with the ability to prioritise tasks, problem solve, use initiative and work with attention to detail.
• High level of computer literacy, including the ability to confidently navigate a variety of web based and desktop applications, including MS Office.
• Strong commitment to the principles of self-determination data sovereignty and improving social equity for diverse and marginalised cultures.
• Current ‘C’ Class License.

Responsibilities

• Providing research and project support to the Research Program and working collaboratively as part of the wider Yorga Maaman Koolanga Team.
• Working effectively in diverse settings engaging with internal and external stakeholders including Aboriginal organisations, health services, community members and government agencies.
• Assist with recruitment of participants and act as a point of contact for arranging interviews in culturally safe environments.
• Coordinate and facilitate focus groups, workshops, and co-design activities with lived experience consultants and community members.
• Maintain accurate records and databases for ethics and funding reporting and assist with the preparation of reports and applications.
• Develop and distribute project materials, including posters, information sheets and consent forms.

Skills

Research support

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Time management

MS Office

Education

Undergraduate qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Murdoch University is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a measure to achieve equity and support, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change is one of the four key Murdoch University institutes that deliver world class multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary translational research that benefits the Aboriginal community, government, and industry. Ngangk Yira is founded on principles of meaningful community engagement, professional collaborations, and Aboriginal-led research. These, together with engagement of Aboriginal Elders, Aboriginal communities, and the preservation and promotion of cultural wisdom and data sovereignty, ensures Ngangk Yira is championing meaningful, co-designed research for the health and wellbeing and social equity and change for Aboriginal people, families, and communities. The team at Yorga Maaman Koolanga Research and Advocacy Centre (within Ngangk Yira) focus on supporting parents and children from pregnancy through the early years, building strong foundations for healthy, resilient families and communities. Our work brings together researchers, clinicians, Elders, community members, and policymakers to create evidence that strengthens and supports Aboriginal families every step of the way To learn more about our Centre's research groups visit: https://www.murdoch.edu.au/research/nyi/research/yorga-mamman-and-koolanga-research-advocacy-centre

Your New Role!

The Research Project Officer will support the implementation of the externally funded research program focused on improving practice and care coordination when child protection intervenes with pregnant mothers and newborns. The role will involve supporting administrative and operational elements of the research in addition to Aboriginal-led components of the project. 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.

• Providing research and project support to the Research Program and working collaboratively as part of the wider Yorga Maaman Koolanga Team.
• Working effectively in diverse settings engaging with internal and external stakeholders including Aboriginal organisations, health services, community members and government agencies.
• Assist with recruitment of participants and act as a point of contact for arranging interviews in culturally safe environments.
• Coordinate and facilitate focus groups, workshops, and co-design activities with lived experience consultants and community members.
• Maintain accurate records and databases for ethics and funding reporting and assist with the preparation of reports and applications.
• Develop and distribute project materials, including posters, information sheets and consent forms.
• Create project communications, including e-newsletters, website updates and stakeholder materials.
• Support cultural governance and engagement with Ngangk Yira Elders Group and Maaman Group.

What We Offer You!

• This Fixed Term (ending 30/06/2029) | Part Time (30 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $82,210 – $91,567 (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:
• Flexible work arrangements
• 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
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Relevant undergraduate qualification or progress towards an undergraduate qualification and/or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience in a related area.
• Previous experience in a similar role, demonstrating the ability to work in an inclusive team with a diversity of cultures, ideally in an education, welfare or health sector.
• Excellent professional communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills with a diversity of levels of staff within a university including senior/elder cultural stakeholders.
• Superior time management and workload management skills.; with the ability to prioritise tasks, problem solve, use initiative and work with attention to detail.
• High level of computer literacy, including the ability to confidently navigate a variety of web based and desktop applications, including MS Office.
• Strong commitment to the principles of self-determination data sovereignty and improving social equity for diverse and marginalised cultures.
• Current ‘C’ Class License.

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check 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.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information.

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 Prof. Rhonda Marriott, Pro Vice Chancellor Ngangk Yira Institute for Change at [e-mail] and quote JR105929 as the reference.

Applications Close on 08/11/2026 (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.

With more than 24,000 students and 2000 staff across 4 campuses in the Perth area as well as centres in Singapore and Dubai, Murdoch has an ambitious agenda both locally and internationally. With strong links to government, business and the community, Murdoch University will help you discover how to make a difference. When you join our University, you'll work alongside a team of hard-working and dedicated professionals, while developing a fulfilling career in an inclusive and flexible workplace.

There’s never been a better time to join us.