Vacancies

First Nations Health and Wellbeing Researcher

• Lead meaningful, community-driven First Nations research
• Strong cultural values and collaborative environment
• Contribute to improving rural health outcomes

The role

• Full Time, Fixed Term (up to 2 years)
• Level A - $80,046 to $108,204 p.a. (plus 17% superannuation); or
• Level B - $113,841 to $134,965 p.a. (plus 17% superannuation)
• Orange

We are currently seeking a First Nations Health and Wellbeing Researcher to join the Rural Health Research Institute (RHRI) to support and/ or lead transformative research that strengthens the health, wellbeing, and lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly in rural and regional communities.

At Level A, you will play a key role in research delivery, including conducting literature reviews, supporting data collection and analysis, and engaging with community partners.

At Level B, you will take the lead in designing research projects, partnering with community through co‑production, preparing publications and reports, securing funding, and translating research insights into meaningful outcomes.

The successful candidate will be appointed at either Level A or Level B, depending on their  qualifications, skills and experience.

The position will be based at our Orange campus where you will work alongside multidisciplinary researchers and leaders committed to delivering high‑impact research that addresses rural, remote, Indigenous and global health challenges.

About you

You are a passionate First Nations researcher committed to improving health and wellbeing outcomes through culturally safe, community‑led research. You bring strong communication skills, relationship‑building capability, and a collaborative mindset.

You will also bring at Level A:

• Identify as a First Nations Australian
• Master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Commitment to culturally respectful and inclusive research practices

You will bring at Level B:

• Identify as a First Nations Australian
• PhD in a relevant discipline (or near completion)
• Demonstrated experience leading research and building partnerships
• High‑level communication and influencing skills
• Experience working both independently and as a leader within a team

About us

We are a university of the land and people of our regions. True to the character of regional Australia we have gumption, we have soul and we collaborate with others. We develop holistic, far-sighted people who help their communities grow and flourish.

The Wiradjuri phrase yindyamarra winhanganha means the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in. This phrase represents who we are at Charles Sturt University – our ethos. It comes from traditional Indigenous Australian knowledge, but it also speaks to the mission of universities – to develop and spread wisdom to make the world a better place.

Harnessing technology, we thrive as a distributed yet connected community, welcoming and engaging with people across Australia and the world.

Learn more about the Rural Health Research Institute here.

Visit our website to learn about our great range of employee benefits.

Charles Sturt University is committed to building a diverse workforce as shown through our Athena Swan Bronze Award, our Australian Workplace Equality Index Bronze Award and our membership of a range of diversity focused organisations including Diversity Council Australia and Pride in Diversity. We encourage applications from First Nations people, carers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, neurodivergent people, and people of all age groups, genders and sexualities for all roles.

To apply

Click the Apply button and complete your application online, and address the selection criteria in the position description and upload your CV. If you experience difficulties applying online or for further information on completing the application process please visit our how to apply page or contact us.

This is an identified Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander position under section 14 of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, 1977. Applicants will be required to provide written confirmation of First Nations identity via a statutory declaration or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Confirmation of Identity.

Further information

Additional information is available in the position descriptions:

Level A - Position Description

Level B - Position Description

Or by contacting:

Recruitment specific enquiries: Rebecca Dwyer | Talent Acquisition Consultant | redwyer@csu.edu.au

Job specific enquiries: Professor Julian Grant | Executive Director, Rural Health Research Institute | RHRIDirector@csu.edu.au 

Closing Date: 11pm, 15 March 2026

Advertised: 20 Feb 2026 09:00 AM - AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 15 Mar 2026 11:00 PM - AUS Eastern Daylight Time