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 the four key Murdoch University institutes that deliver world class multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary translational research that benefits the Aboriginal community, government, and industry. Ngangk Yira is founded on principles of meaningful community engagement, professional collaborations, and Aboriginal-led research. These, together with engagement of Aboriginal Elders, Aboriginal communities, and the preservation and promotion of cultural wisdom and data sovereignty, ensures Ngangk Yira is championing meaningful, co-designed research for the health and wellbeing and social equity and change for Aboriginal people, families, and communities.
The team at Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre (within Ngangk Yira) aims to build an understanding of the widespread and cumulative effects of climate change, and the social, cultural and environmental factors impacting the lives of Aboriginal families and communities. Flagship projects support remote Aboriginal communities to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves and related disasters, as well as improve water quality and other environmental health determinants.
To learn more about our Centre's research groups visit:
Your New Role
The Research Fellow will explore the impacts of extreme heat on pregnant Aboriginal women (and their babies) living in rural/remote Western Australia. The mixed-methods research will focus on women's experiences and explore strategies to mitigate heat effects in pregnancy, including health education and health promotion. Recognising the socio-environmental factors that contribute to the heat vulnerability of rural/remote Aboriginal communities, the research will contribute to public health initiatives and clinical practice as well as government policy to improve environmental infrastructure, including housing, water, power and food security.
Your key responsibilities will include -
* Conduct research projects, secure competitive funding, and publish findings aligned with the University's strategic vision
* Capacity building and co-design among Aboriginal women, stakeholders and service providers related to effects of extreme heat during pregnancy and strategies to mitigate these.
* Provide academic leadership through research supervision, knowledge sharing, and active engagement in institutional activities
Please refer to the Position Description for further details.
What We Offer You
This Fixed Term (3 Years) | Part Time (22.5 to 30 hours per week) position attracts a remuneration of $113,000 – $134,000 (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:
* Completed or near-complete PhD in a relevant field (e.g. social sciences, public health, health research/profession, evaluation).
* Demonstrated experience in collecting, analysing and interpreting qualitative and some quantitative data.
* Record of publication and conference presentations.
* Passion to contribute to Aboriginal health.
* A demonstrated commitment to, and understanding of, working in a culturally safe and trauma informed way.
* Ability to work autonomously under broad direction, show initiative, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
* High-level written and oral communication skills in English.
* Ability to travel to rural/remote areas.
* Current 'C' Class driver's license.
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 Prof. Roz Walker, Senior Principal Research Fellow at and quote JR104860 as the reference.
Applications Close on 21/02/ :59pm AWST)
The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.
Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.
Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. 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.