Position Title: Senior Research Officer Term: Part-time (0.6 FTE), 12-month contractProgram: AdministrationLocation: Alice Springs, Darwin or PerthClassification: WDNWPT Aboriginal Corporation EA 2022 – Admin Level 6Responsible To: Project Operations Manager
Position Summary
Over the past 18 months, Purple House has strengthened its commitment to research and evaluation through the establishment of the Purple House Research Committee and launch of the annual Social Impact Report. These initiatives reflect a growing focus on demonstrating the impact of Purple House’s unique model of care, contributing to evidence-based practice, and ensuring that research priorities are driven by the voices of patients, staff, and communities.
The Senior Research Officer will play a central role in advancing this work. The position is responsible for coordinating internal and external research activities and supporting the development of Purple House’s own research projects. This includes leading the consultation process to establish a Research Priority Framework, coordinating and supporting the Research Committee, and fostering meaningful partnerships with researchers and funding bodies.
About Purple House
Our mission is to improve the lives of people with renal failure, reunite families, and reduce the impact of kidney disease in our communities. We are run by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people and work to provide culturally appropriate dialysis services in remote communities, helping people to get home to country and family.
All employees are expected to carry out their work in accordance with the values of Purple House which are:We will ensure that Walytja (family), Tjukurrpa (dreaming), Ngurra (Country) and Kuunyi (compassion) are central to all that we do and sayWe will be strong, clever, brave and determined to make life better for our peopleWe will think deeply, plan wisely and take action to support patient agency, enhance wellbeing and maintain dignityWe will share our experiences and knowledge with others so that we all can learnWe will foster understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoplesWe will embed quality and safety in all we do and sayWe will work sustainably and actively respond to the impacts of climate change
Standard Requirements
Demonstrate a courteous and respectful manner and communicate effectively with all people.Serves as the client advocate and protects the rights of the individual.Demonstrate cultural awareness and knowledge of cultural safety and Indigenous community control.Maintain confidentiality of information about clients, other staff members or community members.Work safely to reduce risk to yourself and others. Promote a safe work environment.Work within the policies and procedures of Purple House at all times.
Key Position Responsibilities
The Senior Research Officer will be responsible for: Research Priority SettingCo-leading a consultation process to develop the Purple House Research Priority Framework, engaging Purple House Directors, patients, and staff.Supporting Purple House to develop and lead its own research projects, including identifying suitable partners, collaborators, and funding opportunities.Communicating research priorities clearly to internal and external stakeholders. Research CommitteeProviding coordination and support for the Purple House Research Committee.Managing research governance processes, including reviewing expressions of interest, maintaining the research register, and ensuring alignment of projects with Purple House’s research priorities.Developing and maintaining research-related documents, policies, and procedures.Acting as a central liaison between Purple House, research partners, and funding bodies, supporting grant applications, agreements, and reporting requirements.Representing Purple House at relevant research forums, networking events, and stakeholder meetings.Identifying opportunities to enhance Purple House’s research capacity, with a focus on supporting Indigenous staff to participate in research activities and training
About You
You are known for your compassion, empathy and ability to listen.Your style is flexible, good humoured and resilient.You are a self-starter and can work autonomously, knowing when to ask for help.You think quickly to talk through and solve problems.You are considerate and thoughtful in resolving conflicts.You’re eager to learn and collaborate with your team.You can communicate with all sorts of people.You have respect for diversity, including cultural difference and the needs of people from the LGBTQIA + community.You honour and work towards Purple House’s vision and strategic goals.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Extensive experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research and/or evaluation, with a strong understanding of cultural sensitivities and ethical considerations.Ability to communicate respectfully and inclusively with Aboriginal patients and their families, presenting complex information in an accessible and culturally appropriate way.Tertiary qualifications in research, evaluation, public health, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.Knowledge of the research funding landscape, including government and non-government funding agencies, and how to navigate pre-award and post-award processes for research funding.Demonstrated project management and coordination skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage time effectively, and consistently meet deadlines.Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to build relationships and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders.Strong skills in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).