Research Fellow (S51)

• Full-time, 2 year Research Academic appointment | Curtin's Bentley Campus
• Competitive remuneration package + 17% superannuation
• Lead a significant state-wide mixed methods research project

Job Reference: 1666967
 
At Curtin we are committed to embedding the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples at the forefront of our decision-making to create an environment in which everyone thrives. 
  
In line with Curtin’s 2030 Strategic Plan, Curtin University is committed to optimising employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In an effort to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait representation in the University, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this role, pursuant to Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). 

About the Role
The Indigenous Health Research Program at Curtin Medical School is seeking a Research Fellow to contribute to an important new research project focused on improving perinatal bereavement care for Aboriginal families who have experienced pregnancy or early life loss.

Working under the direction of the Lead Chief Investigator, you will lead a key component of this mixed methods project: the design, coordination, implementation, analysis and dissemination of a large statewide study.
This is a meaningful opportunity to undertake research with the potential to influence healthcare practice and contribute to more culturally safe, compassionate and responsive services for Aboriginal families. You will work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities, healthcare practitioners, researchers and other stakeholders to ensure the project is informed by lived experience, cultural knowledge and community priorities.

About you

You will be an experienced and thoughtful researcher with postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline, such as health sciences, psychology, social work or the social sciences. You will bring strong quantitative research capability, particularly in survey design, implementation and analysis, together with the ability to contribute effectively to the qualitative and mixed methods components of the study. Experience with participatory, community-led and/or Indigenous research approaches will be highly regarded.

Central to your success will be your ability to engage sensitively and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, build genuine relationships, and work collaboratively with stakeholders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Cultural ties to Noongar Country would be highly regarded.

You will be organised, attentive to detail and comfortable taking ownership of a significant area of research activity. You will also bring strong communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design and delivery of a state-wide survey of healthcare practitioners providing perinatal bereavement care and support.
• Coordinate research activities, including stakeholder engagement, data collection, analysis and dissemination.
• Work respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders to understand and respond to their priorities.
• Contribute to research ethics applications, project reporting, publications and the translation of findings into practice.
• Apply critical reflection and strategic thinking when working across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Support the overall delivery of the project as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team.

SELECTION CRITERIA

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A completed PhD or master’s degree in a relevant discipline, together with relevant research experience.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures and demonstrated ability to work respectfully with Aboriginal people, communities and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with communities - particularly Aboriginal communities - to understand and respond to their needs and priorities.
• Significant experience in quantitative research, and experience in participatory, community-led and/or Indigenous research methods.
• Significant experience contributing to Aboriginal health and wellbeing research.
• Demonstrated experience working with health services, hospitals or other healthcare settings, including the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clinicians, service managers and other health system stakeholders.
• Experience managing research data and undertaking quantitative analysis.
• The ability to apply critical reflection and strategic thinking when working with multiple stakeholders across community, research and health service settings.
• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to provide leadership within a research project.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Highly developed written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across a range of audiences.
• Experience preparing research ethics applications.
• Strong organisational and digital literacy skills, including the ability to establish priorities, manage competing demands and meet deadlines.

If your qualifications or experience look different from what we've described above, but you feel your skills and potential are a match to the capabilities we need, please apply. We are looking for diversity in experience, thought and approach.
  
This role is part of a progressive and supportive team. We support flexible work arrangements, remote working/working from home including the option for job share and part-time options (minimum 0.8FTE). 

Role Requirements:

1. You will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role to be considered.
2. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction  

About the Team: Curtin Medical School and Indigenous Health Research Program

Curtin Medical School is home to a diverse program of education and research focused on improving health and healthcare across Western Australia, with a strong commitment to equity, rural health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
  
This position will be based within the School’s Indigenous Health Research Program, a collaborative research team focused on improving health outcomes and healthcare experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, families and communities. Our work is grounded in strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities, health services and other stakeholders, and seeks to generate research that is culturally responsive, relevant and able to inform meaningful improvements in policy and practice.
  
The successful applicant will join a supportive and multidisciplinary research environment and work closely with researchers, clinicians, health services and community partners.
  
For more information on the IHRP please visit: Indigenous Health Research Program | Research; for more on the Curtin Medical School please visit https://www.curtin.edu.au/about/learning-teaching/health-sciences/curtin-medical-school/
  
About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2026 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live.

For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/
 
What We Offer You 
  
This full time, fixed term role offers a remuneration package of $121,857 - $144,352 (ALB) + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/
 
Join Us!

Please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents: 

• Up-to-date Resume
• Cover Letter outlining:
  • your interest in the role
  • how your background aligns with the selection criteria (noted above)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on CurtinCareers@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close: 9pm (AWST), Tuesday 29 September 2026

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.
 
Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.