"Principal Research Officer"

Job Description:

• Full time (36.25 h/pw) | Fixed term contract to 31 May 2027
• ACAD C $137,166 - $157,465 + 17% Super & excellent benefits
• Based in Cairns where you can enjoy a tropical lifestyle and a career!

James Cook University is seeking a Principal Research Officer to play a pivotal role in FNQ Connect — a flagship, place-based initiative transforming disability and rehabilitation services across Far North Queensland.

About the role

Reporting to the Director, FNQ Connect, you will support rigorous, ethical and culturally responsive evaluation practice grounded in community voice, co-creation, reflective learning and the meaningful use of evidence. By doing so, you will advance the Understanding, Measurement, Evaluation and Learning (UMEL) principles, ensuring that evaluation strengthens understanding, informs decision-making and contributes to positive social impact. While strong experience in Measurement Evaluation and Learning is a requirement, training in the First Nations UMEL approach will be offered if needed.

What you’ll be doing

• Steward a shared measurement, evaluation and learning system
• Co-design meaningful indicators and frameworks
• Enable partner-owned data and learning
• Embed lived experience and community-centred evaluation
• Translate evidence into strategic insight
• Hold the conditions for collective accountability and adaptation
• Deliver credible, ethical and culturally responsive evidence that supports first nations data sovereignty
• Leverage evidence for sustainability and systems change
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and represent FNQ Connect at national and international conferences, workshops, and public forums.

Why join JCU?

At JCU, you’ll be part of a values-driven university committed to social justice, reconciliation and regional impact. Based in Cairns, this role offers the chance to work closely with communities across Northern Queensland while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle in one of Australia’s most unique regions.

We also offer:

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 36.25-hour full-time working week
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 12 months paid parental leave
• A range of flexible working options
• Attractive options for salary packaging
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)

How to Apply and Contact Details

Click the ‘apply’ button where you will be asked to complete an application form or alternatively, please apply directly via the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role.

Applications close on Sunday 15 March 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST.

Further information is available by contacting Eleanor Louden via email to eleanor.louden@jcu.edu.au