Project Officer

At the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), we are committed to achieving innovative, ground-breaking health and medical research that fundamentally improves the quality of life for all people. This role sits within the Aboriginal Communities and Families Health Research Alliance (ACRA)—a collaborative initiative bringing together researchers, communities, policymakers, and service providers to deliver culturally respectful, community-led research that improves outcomes for Aboriginal families. You’ll join a supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe team based at SAHMRI Women and Kids in Adelaide. To find out more about this project please click here. As a Project Officer, you’ll play a key role in delivering Wave 3 of the Aboriginal Families Study (AFS) team to conduct interviews with mothers/other primary care givers and young people (14-17 years). The Aboriginal Families Study is a longitudinal study that is investigating the health and wellbeing of over 300 Aboriginal families that had a baby in South Australia between July 2011 and June 2013. The information provided by families has been used to inform policy makers and services, and to advocate for changes to benefit Aboriginal families and communities. About the role Key responsibilities include: Working with other members of the research team to facilitate community engagement and follow-up of families living in urban, regional and remote areas of South Australia. Liaising with local community organisations, schools, Aboriginal health services and other local community organisations to facilitate and conduct interviews and yarning circles. Initiate contact with families already registered in the study participant database to invite them to take part in the next stage of the study. Implementing culturally and ethically sound practices, regarding participant engagement, including procedures for obtaining informed consent. Maintaining accurate confidential records of all project-related activities. Working with guidance of the Aboriginal Families Study Aboriginal Governance Group. Participation in Aboriginal and team cultural activities. Ensure that duties are performed in keeping with the principles outlined in SAHMRI’s Vision, Mission and Values and the Code of Conduct Policy and the South Australian Aboriginal Health Research Accord. About You The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes: Extensive experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and/or communities Background in health, public health, or social research Strong communication and relationship building skills Experience in data collection and managing confidential and sensitive data Ability to engage with mothers, young people and families in a respectful and culturally safe manner, including conducting sensitive discussions with empathy, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills Strong organisational and administrative skills Proficient in Microsoft Office Experience with research databases or REDCap (desirable) Special Requirements Some out of hours work and overnight stays for two or more nights will be required. DCSI Employment Screening and Police Checks may be required. Primarily located at SAHMRI Women and Kids, SAHMRI- Adelaide. Regular travel is required in urban, regional and remote locations, expenses will be covered by the workplace. Travel will be undertaken with a team member. Current drivers licence is required. SAHMRI is required to implement the Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination policy for SAHMRI employees carrying out work in any SA Health Facility. Immunisation Risk for this position is – Category A Why Join SAHMRI? Meaningful work improving Aboriginal health outcomes Supportive, values-driven workplace Inclusive and culturally respectful environment If you are motivated to make a difference and align with SAHMRI’s values of excellence, innovation, courage, integrity and teamwork, we encourage you to apply. For a copy of the position description, please click here. For more information, please contact Arwen Nikolof at Arwen.Nikolof@sahmri.com Applications close: Thursday 25th June 2026 Applications may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply