Research Assistant

Research Assistant

• Reference number: 26174
• Location: Kelvin Grove
• Open to: Applicants who have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of the casual appointment. In support of our strategic priority of Indigenous Australian success, Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join The Carumba Institute, Research Portfolio, Academic Division.

The Research Assistant will work closely with Dr Raylene Nixon on a Discovery Early Career Research Award project, Interrogating Institutional Responses to Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in Queensland. This project examines how state institutions particularly coronial systems respond to and construct narratives surrounding Aboriginal deaths in custody, with a strong focus on the experiences of families navigating these processes. While the role involves administrative and project support duties, the successful applicant will also have the opportunity to contribute directly to research activities and outputs associated with the project. This includes engaging with sensitive and complex material relating to family experiences, institutional processes, and issues of justice, accountability, and systemic racism.

About us

QUT is a major Australian university with a global outlook and a 'real world' focus. We are an ambitious and collaborative institution that seeks to equip our students and graduates with the skills they will need in an increasingly disrupted and challenged world.

Central to these functions are training and employment-enhancing initiatives, as well as fostering engagement and partnerships that matter to Indigenous people and communities. 

The Carumba Institute is a central component of QUT’s commitment to Indigenous Australians. The Institute embodies QUT’s priority to increase Indigenous Australian research focus, continue to develop Indigenous Australian researchers and attend to the needs of Indigenous Australian students. The Institute is responsive to government and higher education sector agendas and contributes to overcoming Indigenous disadvantage. The two core functions of the Carumba Institute are research and education..

What you need to succeed

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in an ethical, respectful, and culturally safe manner 
• An understanding of, or strong interest in, issues relating to Aboriginal deaths in custody, systemic racism, and institutional accountability 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage with sensitive and complex subject matter 
• Demonstrated organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines 
• Capacity to undertake administrative and project support tasks, including coordinating meetings and organising travel 

Desirable (but not essential):

• A background in Indigenous studies, law, criminology, public health, social work, or related fields 
• Experience in qualitative research, including literature reviews and data management 
• Experience contributing to academic or public-facing writing

Life at QUT

We're committed to building a culture that fosters connection between people and purpose. Beyond personal and professional fulfillment, a career at QUT offers:

• A healthy work-life balance with a blend of on-campus and off-campus work arrangements for applicable positions. 
• Competitive remuneration with up to 17% superannuation and leave loading of 17.5%. 
• Generous parental leave including primary carer parental leave of up to 26 weeks (including 17% super). 
• Stay healthy with Fitness Passport and enjoy discounted rates on private health insurance. 
• Purchased Leave Scheme - up to 8 extra weeks. 
• Salary Packaging Scheme for additional superannuation contributions, vehicle leasing, and on-campus services such as childcare, parking, and gyms. 
• Numerous opportunities for professional development including leadership programs and workshops, and our study assistance scheme.
• Commitment to our Indigenous Australian staff  through initiatives such as the Indigenous Australian Staff Network, Cultural and Ceremonial Leave, Staff Development Workshops, and representation on university committees. 

Explore more benefits of life at QUT.

Belong at QUT 

We are guided by our values of Ambition, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Academic Freedom and our QUT Connections in our mission to inspire and shape the next generation of change-makers. 

As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, we proudly support our Indigenous Australians Employment Strategy, aiming for an Indigenous Australian workforce participation of 3.6%. We extend a warm invitation to Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people to join us in pursuing a rewarding career at QUT.

We believe that diversity is our strength and are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse cultures, ages, linguistic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities, and those who are living with disabilities to apply for positions at QUT.

At QUT, diversity is not just embraced—it's celebrated. See our commitment

How to Apply

Discover the possibilities that await with a career at QUT. If you're ready to embark on a journey of innovation and opportunity, we're excited to meet you.

Find out more about this position and submit your application by clicking 'Apply' or the link below.

View the job details at: Research Assistant

Job opens: 14 April 2026

Applications Close: 28 April 2026

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