Research Fellow - Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing

School of Indigenous Studies  

• Full-time, fixed-term opportunity for 2 years
• Salary range: Level B: $102,983 – $121,864 p.a. plus 17% superannuation  

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities.  With an enviable research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to ‘innovate and inspire’ there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top University. 

About the team  

The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health within the School of Indigenous Studies brings together the University’s expertise, programs and resources in a strong collaborative partnership focused on a central theme for Aboriginal peoples and communities - Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives. The Centre aims to drive a transformative intergenerational Aboriginal health research agenda, which delivers tangible, measurable health outcomes and services directly to Aboriginal peoples and communities.

The School of Indigenous Studies aims to achieve excellence and equity in all aspects of higher education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The School offers an Aboriginal Orientation Course, a schools' Outreach programme and provides ongoing support for Indigenous students enrolled in mainstream university studies. The School offers an Indigenous Studies’ major, and is a strong advocate for the development of Indigenous cultural competency policy, education and training at state, national and international levels.

About the opportunity  

As the appointee you will, under the direction of the Chief Investigators, Professor Pat Dudgeon and Professor Helen Milroy, conduct research on the Medical Research Future Funds, Million Minds Mission project (Million Minds), “Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing”.

The project works collaboratively with Indigenous service users, families and communities, to develop clinically and culturally capable Indigenous mental health service models to support 1) access to and effectiveness of clinical treatment and cultural healers; 2) support mainstream services to work better across cultural and experiential differences; and 3) integrate mental health, social emotional wellbeing, alcohol and drug, suicide and social and cultural support service responses through multidisciplinary teams.

Under the broad direction of Chief Investigators on the Million Minds project, you will research and collaborate independently with colleagues based at UWA and within Indigenous and research organisations located around Australia. You will work with key stakeholder groups including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, peak bodies, policymakers, clinicians, and scientists.

You will be required to mentor, supervise, and facilitate students, post-graduate researchers, and collaborate with community partners on projects related to this research.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate: 

• Completed doctoral qualification within the areas of public health, allied health, psychology, or related discipline
• Experience and understanding of topics concerning Indigenous or First Nation peoples at the individual, community, national, and international levels
• Demonstrated experience in research and development practices, data collection and data analytics, especially in the areas of Indigenous Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing
• Demonstrated scholarly research and a publication profile relative to opportunity
• Highly developed and effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated research project or project management
• Ability to work independently, show initiative, and work productively as part of a team

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description:    Position Description - Research Fellow.pdf

You are required to address the selection criteria in your submission in a separate document. For information to assist you with compiling statements to answer the selection criteria, please visit Addressing the selection criteria  

Closing date: 11:55pm AWST on Thursday, 31 March 2022

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia. 

Application Details:  Please apply online via the Apply Now button. 

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity 

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate inclusion and diversity and believe gender equity is fundamental to achieving our goal of being a top 50 university by 2050. 

• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities. Flexible work arrangements, part-time hours and job sharing will all be considered. 
• UWA has been awarded Bronze Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2021). 
• UWA has also been awarded Athena Swan Bronze Accreditation in 2020.    

Advertised:24 Mar 2022 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close:31 Mar 2022 11:55 PM W. Australia Standard Time