Careers at UniSC

• School of Health | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level 6 $92,964 - $100,603 p.a. (pro rata), plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Part-time (0.4 FTE / 14.05 hrs per week), fixed-term position until June 2028

The Opportunity

Join the 'Strait from the Heart' research project which aims to 1) co-design a 12 month, culturally relevant, sustainable, nutrition and physical activity program with First Nation’s communities in Queensland (QLD); 2) To pilot ‘Strait from the Heart’ to improve cardiovascular disease risk factors for First Nations people and communities; 3) To promote and advocate for a model of sustainability. As a Project Officer, you'll work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the Chief Investigator and the broader research team to achieve program outcomes. 

The University of the Sunshine Coast considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and the filling of this position constitutes a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).

The position is therefore only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Our ideal candidate will possess excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and will be able to manage projects and interact with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders in a culturally safe and competent manner.

For more information please visit us online: School of Health

You will:

• lead and manage the administrative functions in support of the “Strait from the Heart” research project;
• cultural liaison between the project team and project staff from the community;
• provide mentoring and project guidance to the community staff;
• co-design with relevant Governance Structure groups the data collection tools, the nutrition educational resources and group nutrition session outlines; and
• oversee the implementation of the nutrition and physical activity arm of the project.

About you:

Experienced working with community-based programs, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and you approach every interaction with cultural sensitivity and respect. You have strong communication and relationship-building skills that help you connect meaningfully with diverse communities and stakeholders. Organised and dependable, you’re confident juggling competing priorities, managing your time effectively, and guiding others to meet project goals. Whether working independently or collaboratively, you contribute positively to a team environment and are driven by a shared commitment to impactful outcomes.

You will possess:

• Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person (identified position);
• Completion of a health degree and postgraduate studies;
• Completion of the IAHA leadership program;
• Member of Dietitians Australia and Accrediting Practicing Dietitian (APD) status;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health priorities, cultures, and community dynamics;
• Understanding of Indigenous research methodologies and methods; and
• Prior experience in research related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position Description: 493488 - Research Officer

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through the Careers at UniSC website.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Applications for this position close midnight, Wednesday 30 July 2025.

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, noting your application will be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description. There will be opportunity within the application form to also include supporting documentation should you wish.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Dr Alyse Davies
Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics – School of Health
Telephone: +61 07 5430 1185
Email: adavies@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.