Research Fellow, School of Indigenous Studies

School of Indigenous Studies

• Join our dynamic team in a ground-breaking Aboriginal led research program in mental health care and wellbeing
• Full-time appointment on a fixed term basis for 18 months
• Base salary range: Level B $105,043 – $124,301 p.a. (pro rata) plus 17% superannuation
• Aboriginal people are strongly encouraged to apply.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong 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 conduct research on the Medical Research Future Funds, Million Minds Mission project (Million Minds), “Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing” and the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention.

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, 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.

As the appointee you will also engage in a range of activities which aim to support and promote best-practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention. This will occur under the direction of the Director of the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention. You will research and collaborate independently with colleagues based at UWA and also with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations located around Australia, and other organisations involved in suicide prevention. You will work with key stakeholder groups including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, peak bodies, policymakers, clinicians, PHNs, 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.

About you 

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

About your application

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description: Research Fellow SIS - Level B.docx

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: 11:55 PM AWST on Friday 17th February 2023

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact [email protected] on (08) 6488 4509 or at [email protected]

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 and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We celebrate difference and believe diversity is fundamental to achieving our goals as a globally recognised Top 100 educational and research institution. We are committed to creating a safe work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community and people living with disability.

• We have a globally competitive, gender neutral parental leave policy with 26 weeks paid leave after 12 months service and 36 weeks after 5 years.
• We have on-campus childcare facilities for child 6 weeks to kindy.
• We facilitate flexible working, with part-time and job-sharing arrangements considered.
• We have an ongoing partnership with Pride in Diversity and were recently awarded a Bronze Employer status for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
• We have Athena SWAN Bronze accreditation and actively work to improve gender equity.

Should you have any queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number and a member of the team will respond to your enquiry.