Research Associate

About The Team

The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change is one of Murdoch University’s four key institutes, uniting leading researchers to deliver world-class multidisciplinary research that benefits Aboriginal communities, government, and industry. It supports Murdoch’s commitment to Aboriginal health, social equity, and transformative, community-driven research.

Founded on principles of Aboriginal-led research, meaningful engagement, and cultural preservation, Ngangk Yira collaborates with Elders and communities to co-design impactful research for the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

Its work is organised across three interconnected Research and Advocacy Centres:

• The health of Aboriginal women, men, children and families - Yorga, Maaman and Koolanga Research and Advocacy Centre; and
• Healthy Aboriginal families and communities - Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre.
• Responsive and accountable health and social systems – the Systems and Policy Unit.

Your New Role!

The Research Associate will support a complex research project focused on improving the health, development and education outcomes of Aboriginal children. Working under the guidance of the project’s CIA, Senior Research Fellow (Epidemiologist), the role will contribute to key activities including grant development, systematic reviews, ethics and data applications, and manuscript preparation. This position offers early career researchers the opportunity to build research skills and profile within a collaborative program.

The ideal candidate will have experience in public health research, particularly maternal and child health, and demonstrate a commitment to developing cultural understanding and working respectfully with Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Contribute to high-quality research delivery, including grant proposals (e.g. NHMRC, ARC), systematic and scoping reviews, perinatal epidemiology research, ethics and data applications, and preparation of manuscripts and research outputs
• Work collaboratively and ethically with researchers, Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities, and partner organisations, ensuring culturally respectful practice and compliance with University policies, ethical standards, and codes of conduct
• Support a positive research environment and professional growth through collegial teamwork, participation in Aboriginal cultural strengthening and relevant professional development, and completion of other project-related duties as required

Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further details.

What We Offer You!

Funded by WA Near-miss Award: Emerging Leaders Fellowship grant, this Fixed Term (2 Years) | Part time (18.75 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $79,915– $107,770 (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:

• Enjoy a 2% salary increase under the Enterprise Agreement, effective July 2026

• 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!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Postgraduate qualification (Master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience supporting research activities, including systematic/scoping reviews, grant development, ethics applications, and research administration
• Strong academic writing skills with evidence of publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals
• Knowledge of, or experience in, perinatal epidemiology and maternal and child health research
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse cultures, including knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures or a willingness to undertake relevant cultural learning, alongside strong communication skills, collegiality, and adherence to relevant policies and standards

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 Akilew Adane, Senior Research Fellow, [email protected] and quote JR105302 as the reference.

Applications Close on 26 May 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. 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.