"Research Fellow (Indigenous applications only)"

• Research with purpose. Partnership with community.
• Full-time, fixed-term (12-month) position at our Hawthorn campus
• Academic Level B salary + 17% super and staff benefits

This is a Targeted position and an affirmative measure therefore only open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage in accordance with an exemption granted under section 12 of the Vic – Equal Opportunity Act 2010. This is a recruitment strategy to increase Aboriginal workforce.

About the Role

Swinburne University of Technology is seeking a First Nations Research Fellow to join a newly funded National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) project, The Communicate Study Partnership: Supporting Culturally Safe Healthcare Across the Northern Territory.

This significant initiative is delivered in partnership with Menzies School of Health Research (Darwin) and key collaborators including NT Health, the NT Aboriginal Interpreter Service, Charles Darwin University and the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. Together, the Communicate Study Partnership aims to improve healthcare experiences and outcomes by ensuring more First Nations peoples receive culturally safe, respectful, and effective care.

As a valued member of the Communicate Study Partnership, you will play a central role in advancing research on intercultural communication in healthcare. Working closely with senior researchers at Swinburne and Menzies, you will contribute to both established and emerging projects focused on strengthening culturally safe communication practices.

The role involves supporting and undertaking qualitative data collection and analysis, contributing to research coordination and project management, and exploring innovative approaches to analysing patient feedback, including the use of AI tools and large language models. A core focus of the position is building and sustaining meaningful relationships with First Nations communities and healthcare providers, ensuring that all research activities are grounded in First Nations knowledges, priorities, and strengths.

About You

To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities:

• A genuine interest in intercultural communication, cultural safety, and improving healthcare experiences for First Nations peoples
• Curiosity about machine learning and/or large language models, especially how they can be used in qualitative research
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse, interdisciplinary teams and community stakeholders
• Hands-on experience with qualitative research, including data collection, project coordination, and ethics processes
• Strong communication skills, with experience writing for and publishing in academic journals
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, seeing tasks through from start to finish
• Lived experience and/or strong, respectful connections with First Nations communities
• A strong understanding of culturally safe, strengths-based ways of working with marginalised communities
• Experience with participatory action research, Indigenous research methodologies, and/or co-design approaches

Qualifications

A PhD (or equivalent doctoral qualification) in communication, social sciences, Indigenous studies, or a related field.

About Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.

What We Offer You!

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Want to learn more? Head over to our benefits page!

To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and your suitability for this position.

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: Tuesday 24 February 2026, at 11.00pm

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Special Measures

At Swinburne, we are deeply invested in dismantling systemic barriers and developing a culturally safe, empowering, and inclusive environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are respected, inspired, and celebrated. We recognise and value Indigenous knowledges, leadership, and ways of being as integral to our university’s strength and future. We are committed to building genuine trust with community and ensuring that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are supported to maintain and deepen their cultural and community connections as part of their professional growth and leadership journey at Swinburne.

We celebrate our diverse culture and the strength this brings to our workforce. We are committed to our Indigenous Employment Strategy and are therefore seeking to increase the representation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples within the University, where traditionally they have been under-represented. Specifically, the Department of Nursing would like to grow the Indigenous workforce to further enhance the capability within these disciplines.

Pursuant to a Special Measure under Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic), we will therefore only consider applications from suitably qualified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates for this position.

To find out more about our Indigenous Employment Strategy please visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/about/our-university/indigenous-matters/reconciliation-action-plan/

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquiries about the role can be sent to the Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@swin.edu.au (general enquiries will not be answered by phone).

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates.

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.

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