About Us: Ear Science Institute Australia is a purpose-driven, not for profit organisation, dedicated to improving the lives of people with ear and hearing disorders. Through world‑class research, innovative clinical care and community education, we deliver life-changing outcomes in hearing health across Australia. About the Opportunity: We are seeking a passionate and motivated Research Associate to join our SoundSmiles project - a collaborative initiative improving the health outcomes for Aboriginal children and their families through innovative digital health solutions. This is a maximum term contract for up to 8 months, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful, community-led research at the intersection of health, technology and culture. We are committed to building a culturally strong and inclusive workforce and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply. We particularly welcome candidates with lived experience, cultural knowledge and strengths in community-engaged research. This role can be based in Perth (WA) or Melbourne (VIC). We are also open to applicants based remotely within Western Australia, with the expectation of regular travel to the Perth office and remote Pilbara communities. Opportunities to fulfil this role on a part-time basis may be discussed. About the role: In this dynamic and hands-on role, you will contribute to both qualitative and mixed-methods research, with a strong focus on community engagement, co-design and evaluation of a digital health platform. Key Responsibilities: Community Engagement and Fieldwork · Engage with Aboriginal communities to support consultation and implementation of a digital health solution · Plan and deliver co-design activities, usability testing, and evaluation sessions · Conduct small-group discussions and interviews in diverse community settings · Document fieldwork through recordings, detailed notes and structured reports · Contribute to research outputs, including manuscripts and community facing summaries. Qualitative Research and Analysis · Manage and analyse qualitative data (using tools like NVivo) · Conduct thematic and other qualitative analysis · Maintain accurate datasets and research documentation in line with ethics requirements · Prepare research outputs including manuscripts, reports, conference abstracts, and community-facing materials General Responsibilities · Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across research, healthcare, and technology and community partners · Translate community insights into actionable recommendations for product development · Support project coordination, including meetings, documentation and scheduling · Uphold culturally safe and ethical research practices · Build respectful, ongoing relationships with Aboriginal communities and partners About you: You are a collaborative, culturally aware researcher who thrives in applied, community focussed work. Essential · Relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. public health, psychology, education, anthropology, Indigenous health or similar) · Strong research writing skills and ability to produce high-quality outputs · Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills · Strong organisational and project coordination capability · Willingness and ability to travel to remote areas under varied conditions Desirable · Experience in qualitative research and analysis (e.g. thematic analysis) · Familiarity with co-design or participatory methods · Experience with NVivo or similar tools · Understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research principles. What we offer: · An attractive remuneration with greater take home pay through salary sacrifice. · Access to our Corporate Discount Program. · A comprehensive employee wellbeing program, including 2 days of wellness leave per year and access to informative webinars. · Free professional counselling for you and your family via our Employee Assistance Program. · Birthday Leave – enjoy a day off to celebrate your special day! · Access to discounted private health cover. · The opportunity to be part of an organisation committed to excellence and innovation whilst making a positive impact in the community. To Apply: Please click ‘Quick Apply’ and submit; A cover letter Your most recent resume (CV) Please contact earscience.org.au with any enquiries. Ear Science Institute Australia values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with a disability to apply. Ear Science reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.
