• First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing Research Program within the School of Public Health

• Two, full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years

• Base salary will be in the range $85,372 - $141,545 + 17% super (Academic Level A/B)

• This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates only, as a genuine occupational requirement due to the role's focus on conducting and leading research with community to improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

• Based at our Herston Campus.

Acknowledgement of Country 

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ operates. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society. 

About This Opportunity 

Join the First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing Research (FNCWR) Program and contribute to innovative, community-driven research that is improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Working within a collaborative and purpose-led research environment, you will partner with communities, health services and research stakeholders to deliver impactful research that addresses inequities across the cancer continuum. We are seeking two Early Carers Academics to work on two research projects:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (level A)

Contribute to a Cancer Australia Funded project (GNT: 2024/PCR/2045026), the Empowering Indigenous Communities: Strengthening Agency, Equity and Connections in Cancer Care and Prevention (CASE) project, a newly established initiative focused on improving health literacy and access to cancer prevention, early detection, care and treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Northern Queensland. This role offers the opportunity to help shape a new project, build strong stakeholder relationships and develop your research profile within a supportive team environment.

Research Fellow (level B)

Take a leadership role in the NHMRC funded (GNT 2027475) project, the Miyil-Janay Yundu project, which aims to improve equity in cancer screening participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You will provide leadership across project delivery, stakeholder engagement, research translation and team management, while contributing strategically to the broader goals of the FNCWR Program.

In both positions, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, build valuable partnerships and help shape the future of First Nations health research.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Research. Develop and contribute to high-impact research programs, manage and analyse data, apply best-practice methodologies, and communicate findings to expert, community and general audiences through quality publications and presentations.

• Research funding, engagement and translation. Contribute to competitive funding applications, build collaborative research projects, engage meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders, and support the translation of findings into policy, practice and improved health outcomes.

• Supervision and Researcher Development. Contribute to the effective supervision and development of Honours and Higher Degree by Research students, provide constructive feedback and coaching, and support research staff where appropriate.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

For further information, please click here to view the information booklet.

About You 

The University of Queensland considers that to perform this role, it is essential that the person is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). The position is therefore only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will join a Group of Eight university recognised for excellence in teaching, research and engagement. UQ offers a supportive and rewarding academic environment, with benefits including recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible and hybrd working arrangements, access to exclusive internal‑only vacancies, cultural leave, and genuine career progression through the academic promotions process. You will also have opportunities to connect with vibrant staff networks, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.

UQ is committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ learning, discovery and engagement, and to playing a leading role in reconciliation in Australia. Guided by the University’s Strategic Plan, Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy, we work in partnership with communities to embed reconciliation across our operations. Your cultural identity will be respected, valued and embraced, and you will be supported to contribute to an organisation that champions Indigenous voices.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Professor Gail Garvey. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Other Information 

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close Sunday 4 October 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-68544). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday 21 October 2026.