Manager, Aboriginal Research Support

Pursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Employment Opportunities Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

The Opportunity

Kulunga is the Aboriginal leadership and engagement division of Kids Research Institute Australia, focused on improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families through culturally safe, community-informed research. It shapes the Institute’s Aboriginal research agenda, builds workforce capacity, and advances the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The Manager, Aboriginal Research Support works closely with the Head, Kulunga to deliver key priorities outlined in the Institute’s Research Reimagined Strategic Plan and the Aboriginal Employment Career Development Strategy (AECDS). In consultation with the Head, the role leads Aboriginal researcher support across the research cycle, including ethics, governance and grants; delivers Aboriginal Standards training with a focus on embedding Indigenous Data Sovereignty; partners with Communications teams to apply a cultural and community lens to media and publications and to recognise significant Aboriginal calendar dates; and co-leads the implementation of the AECDS. The role also builds and maintains strong internal and external stakeholder relationships to support effective engagement with researchers, participants and community members.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Take the lead in the development and implementation of existing and new processes including the Aboriginal Research Standards process.
• Support Kulunga to deliver better value and greater efficiency through the identification and elim Build and develop positive and mutually beneficial relationships with relevant external stakeholders, policy makers and community groups.
• Support a culture of excellence in Aboriginal health research.
• Advise research teams Aboriginal Standards guidelines and process including art procurement, honorariums, communication, WAAHEC, community engagement and capacity building.
• Co presentations of the Aboriginal Research Standards internally and to external organisations.

Based at our offices In Perth Children’s Hospital in Nedlands, this is a full time role on an ongoing basis.

About you

The skills and experience required for this role are as follows:

• Minimum of a diploma in vocational education and training, project management, health or social sciences, health care or other relevant discipline.
• Undergraduate degree in health or medical science or related field or relevant experience (desirable).
• A highly developed understanding of Aboriginal research, research design and application across diverse cultural settings.
• Experience in managing research projects, including grant and ethics processes, encompassing multiple stakeholders with a clear track record of success in completing key objectives on-time and within budget.
• Experience in the delivery and facilitation of training activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work with culturally and linguistically diverse people.

At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit, support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.  

If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:

• Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
• Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
• Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
• Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging.
• Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups. 
• We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.

Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy: 

• Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
• Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
• Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
• Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
• Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.

How to apply

If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.

Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact recruitment@thekids.org.au.

Click here for the Job Description

Contact Name: Kelli McIntosh

Contact Email: kelli.mcintosh@thekids.org.au

Closing Date: 25/03/2026 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.