Research Assistant- Identified

Research Assistant (The Kirby Institute) - Identified

• Employment Type: Part - time (17.5 hours a week)
• Duration: Fixed term until 31st May 2030
• Remuneration: $92,265 base pro rata, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading 
• UNSW offers up to 10 days paid culture leave annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Location: Remote available and/or Sydney.

This position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants only. UNSW has obtained an exemption under section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) to designate and recruit professional and academic positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons only, to fulfil UNSW’s goal of an Indigenous workforce.

About The Kirby Institute:

The Kirby Institute is a world-leading health research institute at UNSW Sydney. We work to eliminate infectious diseases, globally. Our specialisation is in developing health solutions for the most at-risk communities. Putting communities at the heart of our research, we develop tests, treatments, cures and prevention strategies that have the greatest chance of success.

Details of the role

The Research Assistant (Identified) is an identified role, as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The position is based within the Yandamanjang First Nations Health Research Program and will work closely with the Biosecurity Program to support EPIWATCH®, contributing to culturally informed epidemic intelligence research and strengthening infectious disease surveillance relevant to First Nations communities. The role will receive leadership and support through the Yandamanjang Program while undertaking day-to-day research activities as part of the multidisciplinary EPIWATCH® team for example by translating Aboriginal languages.

The role reports to the head of the Yandamanjang First Nations Health Research Program and has no direct reports.

Some key skills required:

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and lived experience, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, public health or a related discipline.
• Knowledge and experience in the “Top End” languages (Warlpiri, Yolngu Matha [Yolŋu languages] and Kriol) and cultures.
• Assist with translation of key search terms into priority Aboriginal languages (Warlpiri, Yolngu Matha [Yolŋu languages] and Kriol) in collaboration with the EPIWATCH® AI team.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols when engaging with communities.
• Demonstrated experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders, with the ability to build respectful and culturally safe relationships.
• Liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders across Australia and coordinate consultations to identify infectious disease outbreaks of importance to First Nations communities, including those involving antimicrobial resistance.
• Demonstrated experience supporting and contributing to research, community engagement or project activities, preferably in a health or research setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.

Please refer to the position description for full details.

UNSW Benefits and Culture: 

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​ 

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​ 
• Up to 10 days paid culture leave annually for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff members
• Indigenous Employee Network
• Flexible working ​ 
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​ 
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​ 
• Progressive HR practices​ 

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.  

Pre-Employment Checks:

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role. This role requires Confirmation/Evidencing Aboriginality.

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Application instructions:

Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below.

Please provide a resume and a cover letter briefly addressing the skills and experience listed in the position description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact

For more information on how UNSW contributes to Indigenous initiatives, please contact Nat Chenhall, Manager of Indigenous Employment on Email: n.chenhall@unsw.edu.au

For more information on UNSW’s recruitment process please contact Frank McHenry, Talent Acquisition Associate on Email: Frank.McHenry@unsw.edu.au

Applications close:  Monday 2nd November 2026 before 11.30pm

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.