First Nations Research Support Lead (Identified)

• Full time 3 years fixed term
• Join us in creating lasting impact through culturally safe, ethical and community-centred research
• Base Salary $117,133 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

This position has been designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).’ Should your application be progressed, you will be required to provide your confirmation of identity documents. Your recruiter will be in touch to advise you on how to confirm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status. 

The Faculty of Medicine and Health is establishing a new First Nations Research Support function to strengthen culturally appropriate, ethical and impactful research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

We are seeking an experienced First Nations Research Support Lead to establish and lead this exciting initiative. This is a unique opportunity to build best-practice frameworks, develop resources and provide strategic advice that will enhance the quality and impact of First Nations research across the Faculty.

Working within the Research and Development team and in close partnership with the Poche Centre, you will play a key role in supporting researchers to conduct culturally safe, community-informed research while fostering meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities and stakeholders.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

As the First Nations Research Support Lead, you will:

• lead the development and delivery of the Faculty's First Nations research support function
• develop frameworks, guidance, tools and resources that promote best practice in First Nations research
• establish and maintain the First Nations Research Support Hub and research repository
• provide expert advice on Indigenous research ethics, governance, community engagement and funding opportunities
• support researchers with ethics submissions, grant development and culturally appropriate research practices
• build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations communities, researchers, University stakeholders and external organisations
• coordinate targeted First Nations research funding initiatives
• supervise and mentor the First Nations Research Support Officer
• drive continuous improvement across research support services

About you

You will bring:

• demonstrated experience supporting or leading First Nations research within a research-intensive environment
• strong knowledge of Indigenous research ethics, governance and community engagement
• experience developing research frameworks, resources or strategic initiatives
• excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• strong planning, organisational and project management capabilities
• experience supporting research funding, ethics submissions and compliance requirements

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Lena Germinarios, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.medandhealth@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 19 July 2026 11:59 PM