Institute Research Officer

Salary: $103,641 – $116,596 plus 17% superannuation 

Position: Full-time Continuing     

Location: Callaghan Campus 

About the Role

Join us in a role that contributes to the advancement and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and research through supporting staff and student success. As part of the Wollotuka Institute and supporting the Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research, Strategy and Leadership Office, you will support key initiatives that deliver high-impact outcomes for students, staff, key partners and stakeholders.

You will be responsible for providing effective engagement, planning and administrative support for research projects and activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Academic staff and Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates. Acting as the conduit between students and system, you will help to drive innovation and excellence across the University.

Be part of a collaborative, future-focused environment that values professional growth, inclusion, and meaningful impact.

Indigenous Identified:

This is an identified position and applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification as authorised under Section 14(D) of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977 NSW.

About You

You are a driven and collaborative professional with knowledge of the research process and an ability to build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, UON staff, service providers, and HDR students. With a strong foundation of organisation, communication and interpersonal skills you will bring expertise from experience in either higher education or relevant community organisations.

To be successful in this role, you will have: 

• Demonstrated experience in communicating effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and knowledge and understanding of their successes and barriers
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and an inter-disciplinary way of working.
• High level administrative and financial skills and experience in the preparation of reports.
• Previous experience in the maintenance of records, interpretation of policies and implementation of guidelines

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria to be addressed in your application, please review the Position Description. 

If you’re ready to join a university that’s committed to equity and excellence, and to contribute to a community that values your expertise and vision, we encourage you to apply. 

About Us

The Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle is a leading centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and research, committed to fostering cultural, social, and economic change through community engagement and innovation. Drawing strength from Indigenous knowledges and leadership, Wollotuka offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs with local, national, and global perspectives. The Institute comprises four teams - Student Advancement and Recruitment, Operations and Strategy, Academic and Research, and Community Engagement - and this role sits within the Academic and Research team supporting Higher Degree by Research candidates in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation).

Our university  

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and create a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

What we offer 

The university offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance for all staff, including: 

• Flexible working arrangements in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy, supporting diverse family and personal commitments 
• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options and annual leave loading. 
• Generous leave entitlements, including: 
• Additional University holidays 
• Life Leave to support personal and family needs 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leave
• Parental leave and support for carers 
• Wellbeing and support programs that promote mental, physical, and emotional health.
• Career development opportunities, such as structured training and leadership development.  

For further information on our benefits and perks, please visit our website.  

Your next steps  

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this information to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where copies of the Position Descriptions can be accessed. Please download the relevant copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A one-page cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the position description

For specific position enquiries, please contact Stacey McMullin, Acting Deputy Head of Institute at stacey.mcmullen@newcastle.edu.au or on (02) 4913 8142.

Reasonable Adjustments  

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know. This information will help us understand how best to support you and ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process. 

Please be assured that anything you share will be treated respectfully and appropriately and won’t have any impact on how your application is considered. Our goal is to provide the best environment for every candidate to demonstrate their suitable skills and experience.  

Please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au if you are experiencing any difficulties or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments.  

Closing date: Tuesday 18 August 2025 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you! 

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. 

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