Principal Research Fellow - Indigenous Urban Health

Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

Poche Centre for Indigenous Health

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 5 years
• Base salary will be in the range $171,965 - $189,285 + 17% Superannuation (Academic Level D)
• Strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.
• Based at our Toowong location

About This Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for a Principal Research Fellow to contribute to a transformative new initiative within the Urban First Nations Research program, part of Professor James Ward’s ARC Laureate project. Grounded in Indigenous methodologies and delivered through four interconnected work packages: truth‑telling and identity, economic participation, environmental and urban sustainability, and data systems and infrastructure. The program aims to create lasting, positive change for urban First Nations communities.

In this role, you will join a collaborative, high‑performing team committed to excellence, innovation and impact. You will help shape a research agenda that strengthens social and wellbeing outcomes, supports the next generation of First Nations researchers, and contributes to UQ’s vision of creating a better world where people can thrive.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Drive an ambitious research agenda that privileges Indigenous methodologies, produce high‑quality research outputs, secure significant funding and translate research into meaningful outcomes that support positive change for First Nations communities.
• Lead and mentor a high‑performing research team, supervise Higher Degree by Research students, foster a culture of excellence and integrity, and support the growth and development of emerging First Nations researchers.
• Cultivate strong, respectful relationships with community organisations, government, industry and academic partners, ensuring research is co‑designed, culturally informed and aligned with UQ’s commitment to collaboration and impact.
• Provide leadership within the organisational unit, contribute to governance and service activities, model UQ’s values and help create an environment where colleagues and students feel supported, respected and able to do their best work.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ’s Criteria for Academic Performance.

About You

• Completion of a PhD in Indigenous Health is desired (ideally with a focus on Indigenous knowledges, methods, urbanisation, social and emotional wellbeing, addressing inequity and/or policy). A background in the disciplines of medicine, public health, epidemiology, environmental sciences, psychology, business/economics, statistics or social policy will also be highly regarded.
• A sustained record of outstanding impact and achievement in research in one of the above disciplinary areas.
• International recognition in your area of expertise and an excellent record of publications in reputed peer reviewed journals and presenting at conferences.
• Ability to successfully lead a research team, with an excellent record of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing significant external research funding from institutional and commercial sources.
• An extensive record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion.
• A strong record of meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with evidence of leadership in external activities.
• Well-developed communication, interpersonal and consultative skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from a multidisciplinary background.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Responses to the ‘About You’ section

Applications close Monday 4 May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-62264).