Aboriginal Research Fellow

Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine requirement for this role. Under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), only applications from suitably qualified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates will be considered.

About The Team

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.

Your New Role!  

The Aboriginal Research Fellow based in Perth is crucial to the successful research and evaluation of the Changes to Country (C2C) project. The role works closely with the Senior Research Fellow and Project Coordinator and meets regularly with the program leads for each site.

You will lead or facilitate research and evaluation of the project based in Perth, Yarragin and Collie in collaboration with locally based team members. You will undertake appropriate data collection on site, and analysis of data in collaboration with the research team, and be responsible for assisting with preparing manuscripts for publication. The appointed person needs to build and maintain effective communication and relationships with the Aboriginal Elders, communities and teams we work with as this is essential for the success of the role.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Provide consistent research support for the C2C project, in close consultation with the C2c Senior Principal Research Fellow, project coordinator, and the project leads.
• In accordance with Participatory Action Research methodology and in collaboration with Elders and Aboriginal community members, lead, manage, analyse and write up the results of the projects.
• Organise the collection and cleaning of qualitative and quantitative data and/or transcripts.
• Ensure the secure storage and management of project data.
• Undertake the analysis of data and finalise results for presentation to the community.
• Write up results and prepare scientific papers and other peer-reviewed publications.
• Undertake ongoing review of relevant literature, keeping up to date with new and current findings.
• Attend C2C project meetings and provide regular reports as requested on implementation progress.

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (12 months) | Part Time (15 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $113,000 – $134,000 (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:

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
• Demonstrated research experience.
• Experience in two or more of: Aboriginal research methodologies, co-designed research projects, Participatory Action Research, Yarning, and qualitative research methods.
• Knowledge about Aboriginal peoples, cultures, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, and mental health.
• Experience and/or demonstrated understanding of working with Aboriginal communities.
• Experience in data collection, data analysis and/or preparing manuscripts for publication.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective and culturally safe interactions with Aboriginal people and communities.
• Ability to engage in high quality research and contribute to research collaborations, publications and project designs.
• Research and problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and recommend solutions to address challenging issues.

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 Theoni Whyman, Aboriginal Senior Research Fellow Tia.Whyman@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR104959 as the reference.

Applications Close on 08/03/2026 (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.