Research Assistant (Coolamon Community Advocate)

People of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background are strongly encouraged
to apply.

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.

The team at Yorga Maaman and Koolanga Research Centre(within Ngangk Yira) focus on supporting parents and children from pregnancy through the early years building strong foundations for healthy resilient families and communities. Our work brings together researchers clinicians Elders community members and policymakers to create evidence that strengthens and supports Aboriginal families every step of the way.

To learn more about our Centres research groups visit:

New Role!

Located in Perth as a member of the Coolamon Team the Research Assistant will provide a professional level of research support to the ICARE Research Program (an NHMRC funded program aimed at providing coordinated and culturally responsive wraparound continuity of care to women and their infants from pregnancy to 18 months post birth).

Supporting the Coolamon Navigator this Research Assistant role undertakes recruitment enrolling and consenting participants data collection (including a 12-month post-birth study visit) and managing relationships with participating health services in the ICARE Program Perth metropolitan area.

Ideally an Aboriginal appointment the role is highly suited to someone with healthcare and/or research experience and a cultural understanding of birthing for Aboriginal women and families.

Your key responsibilities will include

• Providing research support to the Coolamon Navigator/ICARE Program and working collaboratively as part of the team.
• Work effectively in diverse settings (e.g. ACCHO hospitals/health services) liaising with stakeholders health care professionals researchers study investigators and colleagues.
• Undertake research activities as directed including:
  • Organising and following up potential research participants.
  • Undertake enrolment and informed consent of participants into ICARE programs.
  • Referring participants for the care package and supporting their participation.
  • Attending and supporting consultation workshops.
  • Maintaining accurate data collection and data milestone completion.
• Participation in Aboriginal and ICARE team cultural activities.
• Taking reasonable care to protect own health safety and welfare at work and avoid affecting the health and safety of any other person at work.
• Adhering to the Institutes Work Health and Safety Management System and related regulations and guidelines.

Please refer to the Position Description for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (Ending Nov 2027) Part Time (30 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $73000 $80000 (pro rata) plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

Youll 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 $8944 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 youll bring to the role:

• Demonstrated experience of working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples/communities and/or Aboriginal women and their families.
• Experience working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and contributing to the successful achievement of the research program goals whilst demonstrating a strong work ethic.
• Ability to successfully engage with Aboriginal people as research participants and conduct culturally safe interviews as part of the data collection for the project.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and the ability to identify and recommend solutions to challenging issues.
• Strong spoken and written communications and interpersonal skills including the ability to choose culturally safe environments in which to meet with project participants.
• Ability to manage and undertake work in a timely way and meet required milestones.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in the production of accurate work using Microsoft Office applications (Excel Word Outlooks Teams) ability to accurately transcribe interviews and the capability and willingness to learn and manage new software packages.
• Current C Class Drivers License.

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 Universitys 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 theApplicant Guidefor 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 Prof. Rhonda Marriott Pro Vice Chancellor Ngangk Yira Institute for Change at and quote JR104974 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.