Research Assistant

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.

Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure. 

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

We are seeking a motivated and organised Research Assistant to support the Deadly Dreaming research team. Working closely with researchers, Elders, community members and research partners, you will play an important role in coordinating project activities, supporting participant engagement, and contributing to the delivery of community-centred research.

In this role you will:

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Deadly Dreaming research project.
• Coordinate meetings, yarning sessions and community engagement activities with Elders, community members and research partners.
• Support participant engagement and act as a key point of contact throughout the project.
• Assist with research administration, records management, and project reporting.
• Organise logistics and resources for community activities, including occasional travel for visits On Country.
• Build strong relationships with researchers, Elders and communities while supporting culturally safe research practices.

This is a part-time (3 days), 6-month fixed-term position with the possibility of extension, located at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (Awabakal and Worimi land). 

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Support the facilitation of community engagement and yarning-based reflection under guidance of Elders, Aboriginal CIs, and community governance
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the capacity to build relationships and an inter-disciplinary way of working, while privileging Indigenous ways of knowing and being
• Excellent planning and organisational skill, including the ability to manage a range of tasks with conflicting priorities, whilst ensuring accurate results

About 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 creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

About the Unit

The University’s College of Engineering, Science, and the Environment brings together expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to deliver life ready graduates and transformative solutions to our region and world. The College of Engineering, Science, and the Environment strives for excellence, innovation and equity in teaching, education, research and partnerships.

The School of Science is committed to developing research and teaching skills that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving strategies. The school has strong links with industry through sponsored undergraduate students and research collaborations. The University of Newcastle offers its academic staff a dynamic working environment, equipped with modern teaching & research facilities.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 5 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience. 

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• A supportive workplace with a strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and cultural safety
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff leave
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.

Candidates who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torries Strait Islander will be required to demonstrate their heritage by way of providing Confirmation of Aboriginality in line with University procedure.

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing each of the essential criteria listed below the ‘how will you inspire us – you will have:’ heading in this advert using an example for each to demonstrate (these may differ slightly from the Position Description).

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au.

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Jennifer Rumbel, Indigenous Imaging Fellow on Jennifer.Rumbel@newcastle.edu.au or (02) 4055 3010

For questions regarding Aboriginality as a genuine occupational qualification for this role, or providing Confirmation of Aboriginality, please reach out to Simone Jordan, Indigenous Employment Partner on (02) 4055 0897 or via email at simone.jordan@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date: Monday, 12 October 2026 at 11.59pm

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do.

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.  

#LI-CJ1