Research Fellow at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia, AU

About The Team

The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change is one of Murdoch University’s four research institutes, bringing together leading researchers and partners to deliver world-class, Aboriginal-led translational research that improves health, wellbeing, and social equity outcomes for Aboriginal communities.

Grounded in the principles of Aboriginal leadership, community engagement, and collaborative partnerships, Ngangk Yira works closely with Aboriginal Elders and communities to ensure research is culturally informed, community-driven, supports meaningful change. The Institute is committed to promoting cultural knowledge, data sovereignty, and research that responds to community priorities.

Ngangk Yira’s research is organised across two Research and Advocacy Centres and a Systems and Policy Unit:

• Yorga, Maaman and Koolanga Research and Advocacy Centre – focused on research on health and wellbeing of Aboriginal women, men, children, and families
• Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre – focused on strengthening healthy Aboriginal families and communities
• Systems and Policy Unit – focused on creating responsive and accountable health and social systems

This multidisciplinary research environment provides opportunities to contribute to impactful, community-focused research that drives positive outcomes for Aboriginal people, families, and communities.

Your New Role!

Join a multidisciplinary research team contributing to the Aboriginal Health Equity Futures project, an ARC Discovery-funded study investigating how culturally safe perinatal care influences the development outcomes of Aboriginal children. This full-time, fixed term position is available for four years and involves collaboration with our six Chief Investigators from Western Australian universities, communities and stakeholders.

Working under the guidance of the project’s CIA, alongside epidemiology and health economics experts, you will contribute to high-impact research while developing your research, services, and leadership profile.

The successful candidate will have experience in quantitative research, particularly in biostatistics and epidemiology, and a commitment to strengthening their understanding of Aboriginal peoples and cultures. They will also demonstrate the ability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Lead complex data analysis activities, including the preparation, management, and analysis of linked data, and contribute to ethics and data access applications to support high-quality research outcomes
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team to deliver project milestones, publications, conferences, and stakeholder engagement activities
• Support research capacity building and professional growth through HDR student supervision, mentoring in quantitative methods, engagement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural learning, and active participation in the Institute’s research and professional development activities

Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (ending July 2030) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $115k – $136k (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:

• 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:

• PhD qualification in public health, preferably in Epidemiology or Biostatistics, with demonstrated experience analysing complex quantitative and linked health datasets using statistical software packages such as R, Stata
• Strong research track record, including publication in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and experience preparing ethics application and working within relevant governance frameworks
• Knowledge of perinatal epidemiology, maternal and child health, or related fields, with the ability to apply quantitative methods to address complex research questions
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and project management skills, with experience coordinating stakeholders, workshops, and collaborative research activities
• Commitment to Aboriginal health and social equity, demonstrated through cultural awareness and the ability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and culturally diverse communities

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check 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 Akilew Adane, Senior Research Fellow, akilew.adane@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR105538 as the reference.

Applications Close on 4 August 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.