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Program Manager, First Nations Childhood Cancer Research

The Kids Research Institute Australia
On-site
Australia

This opportunity is offered in accordance with section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 and candidates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who meet the selection criteria for this role will be prioritised for appointment.

The Opportunity

The Kids Research Institute Australia is one of the largest and most successful medical research institutes in Australia. We are dedicated to improving the health and lives of children everywhere through groundbreaking research.

Our First Nations Childhood Cancer Research program is a first of its kind and aims to develop new strategies to better treat Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with cancer. This program engages closely with First Nations communities to understand the questions they have, the research they want undertaken, and to ensure the research is culturally safe. The program will empower First Nations communities, transform care, and ultimately ensure that every child has the best chance to thrive after cancer.

As our research team grows, we now have an exciting opportunity for a Program Manager to support the smooth delivery of both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations within the program.

In this role, you will:

  • Manage and oversee all aspects of project planning, development and establishment for a range of research initiatives across the program.
  • Assist in preparation of human ethics applications, governance and grant reports.
  • Prepare budgets, monitor expenditure and provide budgetary estimates and reports.
  • Ensure program governance mechanisms in place for all projects in the portfolio including Ethics requirements, research governance, and risk management.

Located within Perth Children’s Hospital in Nedlands, this is an ongoing position that may be offered on a part-time or full-time basis. 

About You

The successful candidate will hold a tertiary qualification in a relevant field.  

Along with this, you will demonstrate:

  • Relevant experience in an administrative, project management, business capacity and/or clinical research role.
  • Excellent organisational and communication (both written and verbal) skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to prepare and control budgets and to deliver organisational and individual goals on time and within budget in complex funding environments.
  • Superior people skills with the ability to develop strong internal and external relationships.

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 strengthen 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: Jessica Buck

Contact Email: jessica.buck@thekids.org.au

Closing Date: 08/01/2026 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.

The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to being champions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability. As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of the first Australian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program.

We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people are at the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in the Institute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health. 

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