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Opportunity Highlights
* Empowering Role: Make significant and innovative contributions to the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and other drugs (AOD) research, including research translation and capacity building and achieving national and international recognition.
* Competitive Remuneration: Earn between $144,512 - $191,099 (ALC-ALD) pro‑rata, plus 17% superannuation
* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leave: including (5 days paid and 10 days leave without pay), including language allowance for Indigenous staff who use Traditional Language/s in recognition of the cultural skillset and contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees bring to the University.
Your new role
Curtin University is seeking a dedicated Associate Professor or Senior Lecturer (Research Academic) to lead the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health research area at the National Drug Research Institute (NDRI). This position is available on a fixed‑term contract for five years.
This role involves leading NDRI's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health research while further positioning NDRI as a centre of best practices in community‑driven research in the alcohol and other drug area.
The role will also contribute to the leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research across the Faculty of Health Sciences and contribute to the mentoring of staff and supervision of First Nations postgraduate research students who aspire to engage in Indigenous research.
Your responsibilities
* Lead and enhance the NDRI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Area, ensuring best practices in community‑driven research.
* Conduct your own research as a chief investigator and secure funding through competitive grants and fellowships.
* Cultivate and maintain meaningful partnerships with national and local bodies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, advocating for issues related to alcohol and other drugs.
* Design and implement systems that ensures relevance and accountability in our community‑based research initiatives.
* Produce and disseminate significant research outputs, presenting findings at high‑profile seminars, workshops, and conferences.
* Build, mentor and manage a talented team, providing guidance to honours, masters, and doctoral students.
Selection Criteria
* A doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
* Proven record of achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and/or social research, which includes obtaining research income from nationally competitive research bodies, governments or other sources.
* Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary team environment.
* Strong track record of community engagement and the capacity to foster effective partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
* Demonstrated capacity to undertake research translation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
* Evidence of an established research profile reflected in citation indices or other esteem measures.
* Ability to communicate research findings to diverse audiences, including government, policymakers, academics, and community members.
* Demonstrated leadership and mentoring to academic staff and students.
If your qualifications or experience look different from what we've described above, but you feel your skills and potential are a match to the capabilities we need, please apply. We are looking for diversity in experience, thought and approach. This role is part of a progressive and supportive team.
Role Requirements
* Curtin University considers that being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). Therefore, only applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people will be considered.
* Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction.
* This role may require that the successful candidate must undergo and maintain an up‑to‑date Working with Children Check.
* Please note that this role will primarily take place at Bentley, Curtin University.
Your new Team
National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)
The NDRI's purpose is to conduct and disseminate research that supports evidence‑informed policy and practice to prevent and minimise alcohol and other drug‑related health, social, cultural and economic harms. NDRI research has informed and contributed significantly to policy and evidence‑based practice in Australia and internationally.
NDRI's research area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health focuses on working with First Nations Australians to prevent and reduce harmful alcohol and other drugs use. NDRI is proud of its long history of successful community engagement and supporting research that has had a positive impact.
For more information about NDRI, please visit
About Curtin University
Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life.
First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page
What We Offer You
Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.
For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit
Join Us
If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW, ensuring to attach the following documents:
* Up to date resume
* Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position's selection criteria.
Applications close: 8.30pm (AWST), Wednesday, 18th February 2026.
Late applications or applications received via email will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.
We are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.
Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.
For queries about this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team at or (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.
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