Research Fellow (Coolamon Navigator)

This is a Section 51 position and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be prioritised.

About The Team

The Ngangk Yira Institute for Change is one of Murdoch University’s four key institutes, uniting leading researchers to deliver world-class multidisciplinary research that benefits Aboriginal communities, government, and industry. It supports Murdoch’s commitment to Aboriginal health, social equity, and transformative, community-driven research.

Founded on principles of Aboriginal-led research, meaningful engagement, and cultural preservation, Ngangk Yira collaborates with Elders and communities to co-design impactful research for the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

Its work is organised across three interconnected Research and Advocacy Centres:

• Yorga, Maaman and Koolanga Research and Advocacy Centre - focusing on the health of Aboriginal women, men, children, and families
• Yawardani Jan-ga Research and Advocacy Centre - empowering Aboriginal youth and families
• Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre - promoting healthy Aboriginal families and communities

Your New Role!

The role requires a well organised, proactive individual with strong project management, communication, and research skills to support the implementation of the Coolamon Wraparound Care Program, part of the ICARE project funded by NHMRC. ICARE aims to improve health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood in WA and SA.

Through the Baby Coming You Ready program, the project empowers women and families to access the care they need, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed during the antenatal period, the key to achieving the project’s goals.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Support and advocate for Aboriginal mothers and families by connecting them to prioritised services and facilitating use of tools like the drug and alcohol app as part of the ICARE project
• Coordinate wraparound care through the Coolamon program, tailored to individual needs identified via the Baby Coming You Ready initiative
• Lead and contribute the research activities, including team supervision, stakeholder engagement, data collection and analysis, and sharing findings across academic, community, and professional forums

Please refer to the Candidate Pack for further details.

What We Offer You!

This Fixed Term (16 months) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $113,247– $134,148 (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:

• Enjoy a 2% salary increase under the Enterprise Agreement, effective July 2026
• 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 or Masters in social work, psychology, community health, maternity, infant, or childcare with extensive experience working with Aboriginal families
• Strong knowledge of WA’s health system and Aboriginal community-controlled health sector, with proven networking and collaboration skills
• Culturally safe practice and ability to engage effectively with diverse Aboriginal communities across urban, regional, and remote areas.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage stakeholder expectations and resolve conflicts
• Demonstrated research capability, including working independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, with a commitment to trauma-informed approaches.

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check and have a valid working with children check or the ability to register for one 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 Nicola Amanda D’Souza, Research Fellow, Nicola.Dsouza@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR105427 as the reference.

Applications Close on 07 July 2026 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.