Research Fellow

This is a Section 51 position and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be prioritised.

About The Team

The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change is Murdoch University’s Aboriginal-led research institute, dedicated to improving Aboriginal health, wellbeing and social equity through impactful, community-informed research. Bringing together leading researchers, Aboriginal communities.

Government and service sectors, Ngangk Yira delivers multidisciplinary research that translate into meaningful outcomes and lasting change.

Guided by the principles of Aboriginal leadership, community engagement and collaboration, Ngangk Yira is committed to culturally responsive research, data sovereignty and co-designed solutions that address community priorities.

Ngangk Yira’s reputation in Aboriginal-led translational research is reflected through two Research and Advocacy Centres and a Systems and Policy Unit:

• Yorga, Maaman and Koolanga Research and Advocacy Centre – focused on the health of Aboriginal women, men, children and families.
• Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre – focused on healthy Aboriginal families and communities.
• Systems and Policy Unit – focused on responsive and accountable health and social systems.

All Centres are guided by a Systems and Policy lens that promotes accountability and drives meaningful system change. This framework supports the translation of Ngangk Yira’s research into outcomes that benefit Aboriginal peoples and relevant stakeholders, helping to build a fair and responsive society for all citizens.

Your New Role!  

The Research Fellow will join an inter-institutional research team investigating the intersection of climate change, pregnancy and Aboriginal health. This role is suited to a self-directed researcher with strong qualitative research, communication and project management skills, and demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal communities.

Based within the Coolamon Centre, Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, the position will explore the experiences of pregnant Aboriginal women in urban, rural and remote Western Australian communities during periods of extreme heat and identify strategies to support maternal and infant outcomes. Using community-informed and culturally responsive approaches, the research will contribute to health promotion, clinical practice and policy initiatives aimed at addressing environmental health challenges and reducing health inequities.

The role requires travel to rural and remote Western Australia and would suit someone with a PhD or postdoctoral research experience in health or a related field. Applicants should understand Aboriginal health and socio-environmental contexts, a commitment to translational research, and a passion for improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities and other underserved populations.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Lead and contribute to qualitative, community-informed research exploring the impacts of extreme heat during pregnancy among Aboriginal women in urban, rural and remote Western Australia, ensuring culturally responsive and ethical research practices
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities, researchers and stakeholders, translating research findings into publications, reports, presentations, and initiatives that support improved maternal and infant health outcomes
• Support the delivery and growth of the research program through project coordination, grand development, research supervision, stakeholder engagement and contribution to the broader research activities of the Coolamon Centre and Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
   

Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (Ending July 2029) | Part time (30 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $115k – $136k (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!

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:

• PhD (completed or near completed) in health, social science, evaluation, public health, or a related discipline, with experience conducting qualitative research
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal people and communities in a culturally safe, trauma-informed and strengths-based manner, including across regional and remote settings
• Stong research and communication skills, including data collection and analysis, publications, presentations, stakeholder engagement and grant or report writing
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams, managing competing priorities and contributing to project delivery
• Commitment to improving Aboriginal health outcomes, with an interest in climate environmental health or maternal and child health research, and willingness to travel to rural and remote Western Australia
   

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check and have a valid working with children check or the ability to register for one 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 Raine Quinn, Research Administration Coordinator, [email protected] and quote JR105556 as the reference.

Applications Close on 20 July 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.