Job description:

The Centre for Population Genomics (CPG) is looking for a dynamic Community Engagement Project Officer (CEPO) to join our OurDNA Community Engagement Team.

As a CEPO, you will play a vital role in connecting with diverse communities to support outreach, education, co-design, and recruitment for genomics research projects. Working closely with the Community Engagement & Partnership Manager and other team members, you will help shape and deliver culturally responsive community engagement strategies that align with CPG's mission.

This Melbourne-based position offers a flexible hybrid work environment—blend working from home with collaborative onsite days at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and regular team meetups. You'll also have the opportunity to engage with our Sydney office at the Garvan Institute.

Your responsibilities include:

• Build and nurture meaningful relationships with community members, groups, and organisations
• Develop a community-focused approach to support effective research collaboration
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver community events, workshops, and recruitment initiatives
• Work closely with community partners and volunteers to ensure aligned engagement strategies
• Support participant recruitment and assist with sample collection events
• Maintain detailed engagement records to inform team decisions
• Travel within Victoria or interstate as required for community project activities

What we need from you:

• Strong knowledge of cultural competency, diversity & inclusion, and cross-cultural communication
• Relevant tertiary qualification or at least 3 years' experience in community development, public health, social sciences, or related fields
• Proven commitment to working with CALD communities on social and health issues
• Ability to build and trust navigate cultural and language barriers confidently
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Experience managing community events and working alongside partners or volunteers
• Basic understanding of community participatory research
• Demonstrated lived experience especially with the South Sudanese diaspora in Australia will be highly regarded

For full viewing of responsibilities and requirements please refer to the position description.

Any specific questions related to this position should be directed to

Henry Tamasese at [email protected].

What's in it for you?

• Flexible hybrid work model combining remote and onsite collaboration
• Opportunity to work with diverse and under-represented communities
• Meaningful impact in cutting-edge genomics research and public health
• Supportive and inclusive team environment
• Professional development and networking opportunities across Melbourne and Sydney
• Travel opportunities to engage with communities within Victoria and interstate
• Access to world-class research facilities at MCRI and the Garvan Institute
• Contribution to culturally responsive and community-led health initiatives

Who we are

The Centre for Population Genomics is a leading non-profit research organisation at the cutting edge of genomic medicine, combining biomedicine and data science. A joint initiative between the Garvan Institute (Sydney) and Murdoch Children's Research Institute (Melbourne), it builds large-scale genomic and clinical data resources to drive real-world scientific and clinical outcomes. The Centre employs a diverse team—including software engineers, data scientists, and community engagement specialists—and operates a remote-first, flexible work model with staff across Australia and New Zealand. It offers clear career paths beyond academia and focuses on projects that prioritise meaningful community impact, especially through co-design with under-represented populations.

We are committed to the safety of children and young people and takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse, exploitation and harm. Child safety is prioritised in our decision-making at all levels of the Institute.

Join Us!

If you believe this role is a good fit for you, please apply by submitting:

• Your resume
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria
  
  

Ensure these documents are combined into a single PDF file.

We welcome individuals of diverse genders, ages, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations in our workplace. We actively encourage talented individuals from all walks of life to apply for our job openings. Our commitment lies in fostering a workplace that is barrier-free and inclusive, aiming to attract the most skilled candidates.

For any questions related to the recruitment process, feel free to reach out to our Recruitment team at [email protected]. Ensure that you include the position number and job title in the subject line. Please refrain from sharing your application to this email address.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

No recruitment agencies please.

Position Description

Applications close: 6 October AUS Eastern Daylight time