Principal Researcher – Identified - work from home (Australia only)

Principal Researcher – Identified

• Full time or part time $148,526 to $161,522 p.a. plus 11% superannuation
• Term contract until December 2025
• Work from home (Australia-wide) 

This position is a designated role, the filling of which is intended to constitute a special measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and applicable State and Territory discrimination laws.

Are you…

• a self-starter deeply engaged in education research, capable of taking initiative, especially when considering the specific needs and challenges faced by First Nations Students in Australia?
• a researcher committed to making substantial contributions to ongoing projects, appreciating diverse perspectives and incorporating insights from a First Nations standpoint?
• an adaptive team player able to collaborate across diverse, interdisciplinary teams, recognising and valuing the richness of cultural diversity, particularly from a First Nations perspective?
• looking to join a team of dedicated professionals, all committed to improving education outcomes using evidence and specifically dedicated to advancing First Nations education within the scope of Australia’s education research organisation?

Be part of Australia’s new education research organisation

The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is Australia’s national education evidence body. AERO is working towards excellent and equitable outcomes for all children and young people by generating and making high-quality evidence accessible, and enhancing the use of evidence in Australian education.

AERO is bringing together people who are passionate about evidence-informed policy and practice for schools and early childhood services. Our team is collegial, creative and committed to fulfilling AERO’s potential to make an impact. We value agile thinkers who can help shape AERO as a new, dynamic organisation, and team players who enjoy working across projects and in diverse, interdisciplinary teams. Many of our people have ongoing connections to research, policy and practice organisations, helping us to bridge the gap between evidence generation and translation.

For more information about AERO, please see https://edresearch.edu.au.

Support the development of evidence-based content

This role is dedicated to empowering First Nations education, and the applicant must identify as First Nations to bring an authentic perspective to the work. The Principal Researcher - First Nations will lead First Nations research within AERO, ensuring that First Nations perspectives are central to the research process.

Essential requirements

• Identify as First Nations.
• degree qualified and a strong research track record, with a focus on First Nations research and education.
• Prior experience working in various First Nations communities within Australia and the Torres Strait, with established networks and connections.
• Expertise in Indigenous Data Sovereignty, ethics, and governance, with a demonstrated commitment to respecting and upholding First Nations data rights.
• Experience in designing qualitative and quantitative research or evaluation projects, with a specific focus on First Nations methodologies and perspectives.
• Experience working in research and/or policy teams to deliver complex, high-quality products under tight timelines and competing priorities, with a focus on First Nations education and research.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with an ability to translate technical and complex information concisely for diverse audiences, including policymakers, academics, school staff, and First Nations communities, with cultural sensitivity.
• Deep knowledge of the Australian education sector, including key stakeholders, policies, and frameworks, and a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in First Nations education.
• Ability to critically consume research in academic journals and from other sources, including think tanks, NGOs, consultancies, and governments, with a focus on First Nations research and its application.
• Understanding of and experience in facilitating cross-organisational collaboration, particularly with First Nations organisations and communities, and a demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with these stakeholders.

Preferable

• Experience advising systems on the design of policies and programs to promote academic outcomes for First Nations students, with an emphasis on First Nations education.
• Familiarity with learning science research on how students learn, Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks for supporting students, and/or other support mechanisms demonstrated to benefit First Nations students.

Accountabilities:

• Leading the scoping, planning and designing of First Nations research projects or similar and related projects aligned to AERO’s annual research agenda, and, through the life of a project, recalibrating strategic direction in response to opportunities and challenges.
• Facilitating collaboration within the team and with other divisions to undertake role accountabilities, with guidance and direction provided by the Principal Advisor, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and Engagement, ensuring that First Nations perspectives are central to the research process.
• Developing outputs and services that meet the needs of intended First Nations audiences, adhere to AERO's brand, processes and style, and are subjected to an appropriately thorough quality assurance process with cultural sensitivity.
• Establishing and managing priorities, deliverables, timelines, performance and development. Outputs and services may include education practitioner guidance, evaluation and research projects, or policy advice specifically tailored for First Nations communities.
• Reporting regularly on progress to meet internal communications and external compliance requirements, with a strong emphasis on transparency and engagement with First Nations communities.
• Working with other AERO teams, ensure a stakeholder engagement and communications strategy is planned and executed to achieve project objectives, including identifying key stakeholders, and planning how to engage and influence them in pursuit of these objectives, with a focus on building partnerships with First Nations organisations and communities.
• Providing advice and expertise to AERO teams as required, particularly in matters related to First Nations education and research.
• Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders while ensuring AERO’s broader objectives and needs are kept in consideration, with an emphasis on fostering respectful and culturally sensitive interactions with First Nations communities.

How to apply?

If you reside in Australia and identify as First Nations and believe you meet the requirements of the roles, we'd love to hear from you by COB 19 February 2024.

Please only apply for this role if you identify as First Nations.

Please press ‘apply’ with:

• a resume  
• a cover letter describing your interest in and suitability for the role 
• confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent by providing one of the following:

1. a letter from an Indigenous organisation on letterhead; or
2. a letter from a Community Elder; or
3. a statutory declaration.

More information

If you require any additional information to above please contact: ***********@edresearch.edu.au