Research Assistant

Fixed Term, Full Time Appointment | Contract until June 2027
Professional Employee Level 6 
Annual salary $89,487 – $95,375 pa + 17% superannuation
Multiple work locations available | Alice Springs NT, Casuarina NT, Sydney NSW, Brisbane QLD or Adelaide SA

The Molly Wardaguga Research Institute (MWRI) was established to honor the work of the late Molly Wardaguga (1938-2009), Burarra Elder. The Centre is leading research to redesign health and support services across pre-term, child, maternal and early-years health services for First Nations communities with the aim providing ‘the best start in life’. 
Successfully awarded the Birthing on Country Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) the MWRI has the vision to improve birth outcomes for First Nations families. We aim to redesign maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) and support services, and make a positive impact on First Nations families, including a reduction in preterm birth and delivery of high quality, accessible, culturally safe maternity care across the first 2,000 days.

About the Position
As the Research Assistant, you will support and assist the team, particularly the Senior Research Team, in ongoing support of projects to redesign birthing services, coordination of reports, ethics submission, administrative duties, and event support. The position will provide support and assistance in a number of research projects including:

• Data collection for the Birthing on Country toolkit
• National Birthing on Country Roadmap network support,
• Reporting and coordination of information and presentations required for large NHMRC grants (the RISE SAFELY, RART and BOC CRE grants)

This position is able to be based in a number of CDU locations, and will require regular travel to other locations from time to time.

About You
To be successful, you will require:

• Completion of a Degree/Certificate with subsequent relevant experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Competency in the suite of office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint) is essential for this position
• Experience in maternal or child health or related field or completion of relevant education/training in public health or equivalent
• Strong planning and high-level organisational skills including the ability to prioritise workloads, meet deadlines and balance competing tasks
• Sound knowledge of First Nations health, the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Sector (ACCHOS), and culturally competent maternity care for First Nations people
• Proven experience working effectively in a cross-cultural setting and an awareness of cultural safety, confidentiality and informed consent
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, to support writing interim project reports, ethics, governance, conference papers and articles for submission to peer reviewed journals
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of working in a culturally safe framework that demonstrates your sound practice in working with respect, dignity and integrity with First Nations peoples

Desirable competencies

• Experience working in a research related field or previous involvement in research-related projects.
• Understanding online digital platforms.
• Understanding of clinical activities within ACCHOs and interfaces between community and health organisations

Appointment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory National Criminal History check and a valid NT Working with Children clearance

Remuneration 
Appointment to this role will be at Professional Employee Level 6. The base salary will be in the range of $89,487 - $95,375 per annum. The total remuneration package will be in the range of $104,699 - $111,588 per annum, inclusive of 17% superannuation.

First Nations Priority Recruitment Measures 
While this vacancy is open to all applicants. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) 1992. More information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, available here 
 
Access Full Position Description
To view the full position description, please click the Apply link which will direct you to our CDU job site, then select Job Attachments.

What’s in it for you?

• 17% superannuation
• Up to six weeks of paid annual leave (work location dependent)
• Recognition of prior service with another Australian university/NT Government for Long Service Leave
• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989
• Free on-campus parking in designated areas
• Employee Assistance Program
• Salary Packaging opportunities
• An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University
• Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education, and research
• Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression
• Access to over 5,000 courses via LinkedIn learning corporate membership

How to Apply
All applications must be received online via the ‘apply’ button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Anneka Bowman via email anneka.bowman@cdu.edu.au

Do you need support? 
CDU endeavours to establish and maintain effective systems and processes that support a flexible and inclusive workplace culture. Adjustments can be made to support you throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment, in line with the University’s Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure

Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity and believe that our differences will make CDU the most connected University in Australia. We are committed to maintaining a culture where every member of our University community feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals, and that they truly belong.
 
Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

Work Health and Safety
CDU is committed to providing a physical and psychological safe working environment. Confidential support can also be provided to employees who may be experiencing domestic, family, or sexual violence outside the workplace. 
 
Charles Darwin University is guided by our core values of Courage, Kindness, Openness, Innovation, and Leadership, which shape our daily actions and decisions. CDU is committed to being a safe and inclusive organisation for everyone. 
 
As part of the Charles Darwin University’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and rewarding workplace, and to meeting our legal obligations, we ask candidates to declare whether they have ever been investigated for an allegation of Gender Based Violence or found to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender Based Violence, in any previous employment or through any legal process. 
 
This information assists us to comply with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence and will be considered when assessing a candidate’s suitability for employment, to help ensure the safety of our University community. 

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.  

Applications Close: Wednesday 19th August 2026.