Research Project Officer (YMK)

Murdoch University; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 82,000 - 92,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Indigenous Language Allowance

Salary packaging options

Employee Assistance Program

On-campus services

Job summary

Murdoch University’s Ngangk Yira Institute invites applications for a Research Project Officer. This fixed-term, part-time role (30 hours/week) supports an externally funded program aimed at improving care coordination when child protection intervenes with pregnant mothers and newborns.

The role emphasizes Aboriginal-led components and cultural safety. Ideally, applicants will have healthcare or research experience and a deep cultural understanding of birthing for Aboriginal women and families.

Qualifications

• Ideally an Aboriginal appointment, role is highly suited to someone with healthcare and/or research experience, and a cultural understanding of birthing for Aboriginal women and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide research and project support to the Research Program and work collaboratively as part of the wider Yorga Maaman Koolanga Team.
• Work 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.

Skills

Aboriginal knowledge

Healthcare experience

Research experience

Stakeholder engagement

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.

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

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

For further information, check out our benefits and services page !