Principal Research Fellow – Indigenous Urban Health Full-time

Principal Research Fellow

This is an exciting opportunity for a Principal Research Fellow to contribute to a transformative new initiative within the Urban First Nations Research program, part of Professor James Ward's ARC Laureate project. Grounded in Indigenous methodologies and delivered through four interconnected work packages: truth-telling and identity, economic participation, environmental and urban sustainability, and data systems and infrastructure. The program aims to create lasting, positive change for urban First Nations communities. In this role, you will join a collaborative, high-performing team committed to excellence, innovation and impact. You will help shape a research agenda that strengthens social and wellbeing outcomes, supports the next generation of First Nations researchers, and contributes to UQ's vision of creating a better world where people can thrive.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Drive an ambitious research agenda that privileges Indigenous methodologies, produce high-quality research outputs, secure significant funding and translate research into meaningful outcomes that support positive change for First Nations communities.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing research team, supervise Higher Degree by Research students, foster a culture of excellence and integrity, and support the growth and development of emerging First Nations researchers.
• Cultivate strong, respectful relationships with community organisations, government, industry and academic partners, ensuring research is co-designed, culturally informed and aligned with UQ's commitment to collaboration and impact.
• Provide leadership within the organisational unit, contribute to governance and service activities, model UQ's values and help create an environment where colleagues and students feel supported, respected and able to do their best work.

This is a research focused position. Further information can be found by viewing UQ's Criteria for Academic Performance.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, and within an environment where interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged. At the core of our teaching remains our students, and their experience with us sets a foundation for success far beyond graduation. UQ has made a commitment to making education opportunities available for all Queenslanders, regardless of personal, financial, or geographical barriers. As part of our commitment to excellence in research and professional practice in academic contexts, we are proud to provide our staff with access to world-class facilities and equipment, grant writing support, greater research funding opportunities, and other forms of staff support and development.

The greater benefits of joining the UQ community are broad: from being part of a Group of Eight university, to recognition of prior service with other Australian universities, up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave, 17.5% annual leave loading, flexible working arrangements including hybrid on site/WFH options and flexible start/finish times, access to exclusive internal-only vacancies, and genuine career progression opportunities via the academic promotions process.

About You

Completion of a PhD in Indigenous Health is desired (ideally with a focus on Indigenous knowledges, methods, urbanisation, social and emotional wellbeing, addressing inequity and/or policy). A background in the disciplines of medicine, public health, epidemiology, environmental sciences, psychology, business/economics, statistics or social policy will also be highly regarded. A sustained record of outstanding impact and achievement in research in one of the above disciplinary areas. International recognition in your area of expertise and an excellent record of publications in reputed peer reviewed journals and presenting at conferences. Ability to successfully lead a research team, with an excellent record of successfully seeking, obtaining and managing significant external research funding from institutional and commercial sources. An extensive record of supervision of Honours and Research Higher Degree students to successful completion. A strong record of meaningful internal service roles in conjunction with evidence of leadership in external activities. Well-developed communication, interpersonal and consultative skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from a multidisciplinary background.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia and qualifications check. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements. You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? For more information about this opportunity, please contact Sharon Hiserman on poche.manager@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number in the subject line.

Want to Apply? We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload: Resume Cover letter Responses to the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia's First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role. Applications close Monday 4 May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-62264). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Monday 11th May 2026.

The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ is situated. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country.