Job Reference: 830460

At Curtin we are committed to embedding the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples at the forefront of our decision-making to create an environment in which everyone thrives.

In line with Curtin’s 2030 Strategic Plan, Curtin University is committed to optimising employment outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. Curtin University considers that being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). Therefore, only applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people will be considered.

Opportunity Highlights

• Competitive Remuneration: Earn between $167,764 - $184,637 (ALD) pro-rata, plus 17% superannuation.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leave: including (5 days paid and 10 days Leave without pay), including language allowance for Indigenous staff who use Traditional Language/s in recognition of the cultural skillset and contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees bring to the University.
• Empowering Role: Make significant and innovative contributions to the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and other drugs (AOD) research, including research translation and capacity building and achieving national and international recognition.

NDRI have the ability to offer an attractive package to support the work of its’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research program, this may include:

• A Research Associate position for up to 3 years
• Up to $50k/year of research support funds over 5 years
• A PhD Stipend of up to $70k per year for 3 years

The details of this potential package will be discussed further with candidates that progress in the recruitment process.

Your new role

Curtin University is looking for a dedicated Associate Professor (Research Academic) to join the National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) to lead the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health program area on a fixed-term, full-time position for five years.

This role involves leading the NDRI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program while further positioning NDRI as a centre of best practices in community-driven research. The successful candidate will oversee a multidisciplinary team of dynamic researchers that conduct original, community-focused research aimed at influencing policy and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities regarding alcohol and other drug use.

The role will also contribute to the leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research across the Faculty of Health Sciences and contribute to the mentoring of staff and supervision of First Nations postgraduate research students who aspire to engage in Indigenous research.

In this role, you will but are not limited to:

• Lead and enhance the NDRI Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Program, ensuring best practices in community-driven research.
• Cultivate meaningful partnerships with national and local bodies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, advocating for issues related to alcohol and other drugs.
• Design and implement systems that uphold relevance and accountability in our community-based research initiatives.
• Conduct your own research program as a chief investigator and secure funding through competitive grants and fellowships.
• Produce and disseminate significant research outputs, presenting findings at high-profile seminars, workshops, and conferences.
• Build, mentor and manage a talented team, providing guidance to honours, master's, and doctoral students.

Selection Criteria

1. A doctoral qualification in relevant discipline.
2. Curtin University considers that being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). Therefore, only applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people will be considered.
3. Proven record of achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and/or social research which includes obtaining research income from nationally competitive research bodies, governments and other sources.
4. Demonstrated ability to collaborate respectfully within multidisciplinary teams.
5. Strong track record of community engagement and the capacity to foster effective partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
6. Capacity to align research initiatives with community needs and strategic objectives of NDRI and Curtin University.
7. Demonstrated capacity to undertake research translation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
8. Evidence of an established national / international reputation and profile, significant citation indices or equivalent esteem measures and a commitment to conducting on-going research in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and/or social research.
9. Ability to communicate research findings to diverse audiences, including government, policymakers, academics, and community members.
10. Demonstrated leadership and mentoring to academic staff in relation to their professional.

*If your qualifications or experience look different from what we've described above, but you feel your skills and potential are a match to the capabilities we need, please apply. We are looking for diversity in experience, thought and approach.

Your new Team: National Drug Research Institute (NDRI)

NDRI’s research spans across 7 Program areas, one of which is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, which focusses on working with First Nations Australians to prevent and reduce harmful alcohol and other drugs use. Commencing in 1992, NDRI’s Aboriginal Research Program, with its long history of community engagement and impact, has distinguished NDRI from other Australian drug research centres.

The NDRI’s purpose is to conduct and disseminate research that supports evidence -informed policy and practice to prevent and minimise alcohol and other drug-related health, social, cultural and economic harms. NDRI research has informed and contributed significantly to policy and evidence-based practice in Australia and internationally.

For more information about NDRI, please visit https://ndri.curtin.edu.au/

About Curtin University

We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more information, check out our benefits page!

For more information about Curtin, please visit www.curtin.edu.au

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW, ensuring to attach the following documents:

• Updated Resume
• Cover Letter
• A separated document addressing the selection criteria

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on [email protected] or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Updated - Applications close: Thursday, 10th April 2025.

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.