SOAR Peer Advisers

HDR LEARNING SUPPORT, CENTRE FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING

JOONDALUP, CITY AND BUNBURY CAMPUS

CASUAL CONTRACT

OPEN TO CANDIDATES WITH THE RELEVANT WORKING RIGHTS.

Overview

The SOAR (Support – Opportunities- Advice – Resources) Centre is a peer-to-peer support service for higher degree by research (HDR) and honours candidates. The centre is run by 10 higher degree by research candidates (SOAR Peer Advisers) employed to offer both one-to-one and group support in research skills and professional development.

In the SOAR Centre, we provide:

• Advice for building research skills through peer-to-peer support;
• Resources and links to support HDR candidates’ studies;
• Support for life as a HDR candidate and the associated milestones; and
• Opportunities for professional and career development.

In 2026, we have 3 SOAR Peer Adviser positions available and are particularly seeking to recruit HDR candidates from the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery and Business and Law, as well as those available to work on ECU’s Bunbury campus.

You will be required to:

• Provide peer-to-peer support, both in-person and online. Types of support might include software troubleshooting, mentoring, giving presentations, referencing support and other valuable skills you will share with your research community;
• Facilitate small group workshops, called SOAR Sessions, on research and professional skills;
• Provide your peers with information about services at ECU to facilitate their experience;
• Create online resources from the SOAR Sessions in Canvas;
• Support your peers in their cultural and academic transition to life as a research candidate; and
• Represent the SOAR Centre at events as required such as orientation week and school inductions.

Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office 365, Outlook and Teams. Knowledge of NVivo, SPSS or STATA will be an advantage. You will also demonstrate personal attributes that are congruent with the University’s values of Integrity, Respect, Rational Inquiry, Personal Excellence and Courage.

ECU is a smoke-free environment.

Benefits & Remuneration

These casual positions attract remuneration of $44.81 per hour plus 11.5% University superannuation contribution.

ECU supports a work/life balance for staff. Benefits such as flexible working arrangements may also be negotiated to meet your personal circumstances. For information on the benefits of working at ECU, please visit our Employment Opportunities website.

Contact

Interested applicants are welcome to email Dr Sharon Matthews at hdrca@ecu.edu.au for more information.

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form;
2. Complete and attach the separate Word document titled ‘SOAR Peer Adviser application form’ detailing your top 5 research skills;
3. Attach your CV;
4. Request your supervisor complete the separate Word document titled “Supervisor Referee Report” and return the report to hdrca@ecu.edu.au by the application closing date; and
5. Complete the Selection Checklist, which is provided for your information, and bring this to your interview.

Advert Closure

Applications close Thursday 4 June 2026 at 11:30pm AWST.

ECU reserves the right to close the advertisement before the stated closing date, and encourage applicants to submit their applications early.

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FROM CANDIDATES WHO HAVE THE RELEVANT WORKING RIGHTS TO FILL THIS POSITION.

ECU is a diverse and inclusive workplace with specific strategies and initiatives in place to address underrepresentation of specific groups. We strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age and faith. For more information on our commitment to equity and diversity, please visit our Inclusive Workplace website.

At ECU, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively encourage people with disability to apply to ECU. To discuss how we can support adjustment requirements, please contact the person listed above.