Administrative and grade 7

$105,972.38- $116,497.31 per annum

‘A culturally dynamic community where everyone thrives in health and wellbeing’.

Wuchopperen is a Community Controlled Aboriginal Health Organisation providing holistic health care services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Cairns.

Benefits of working with Wuchopperen:

We provide a positive work culture and a diverse and inclusive setting. Our people matter to us, and we are committed to supporting them:

- Competitive Salary + 12% Super + Salary Sacrifice (up to $15,899 for tax free benefits and $2,650 p/a for entertainment benefits).
- 5 weeks annual leave and 15 days personal leave pro rata.
- Commitment to professional development.
- EAP for employees and family members.

About the role:

The Research Coordinator provides high-level strategic advice, analysis, and research support to the Director of Medical Services and the Wuchopperen Research Committee.

The role is responsible for facilitating the development of high-quality research initiatives that align with Wuchopperen's priorities and contribute to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The position supports researchers and stakeholders in the development, review, and implementation of research projects, including guidance on research governance, ethical approval processes, and compliance requirements.

The Research Coordinator also provides secretariat support to the Research Committee and prepares reports and recommendations for the Executive Leadership Team and Board as required. The Research Coordinator is supervised by the Director, Medical Services and the position has no supervisory responsibilities.





This position works closely with other members of the Research Committee and the Service Excellence Unit and maintains regular contact with other program staff to ensure effective outcomes for clients.

Key responsibilities:

- Apply specialist research knowledge and skills to support researchers engaging with Wuchopperen Health Service in the design, development, and implementation of evidence-based research projects.
- Provide expert guidance on research governance processes and ensure compliance with relevant frameworks, including:
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025);
- Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2018);
- First Nations research ethics, data sovereignty and governance principles, and;
- Relevant Wuchopperen policies and procedures.
- Coordinate and support research ethics and governance processes, including the review of applications and guidance regarding approval pathways and requirements.
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of research tools, templates, guidelines, and resources to support research across all professional disciplines within Wuchopperen.
- Provide strategic advice on research planning and development activities, including identifying priority research opportunities and developing protocols, standards, and guidelines.




- Identify opportunities for collaboration and establish productive partnerships with researchers, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and evidence-informed practice throughout the organisation.
- Build and strengthen research capability across Wuchopperen by developing and delivering research training, education, and mentoring opportunities, and facilitating collaborative research activities with internal and external stakeholders.
- Provide guidance to researchers regarding best practice data management, documentation, storage, and the use of relevant research information systems.
- Coordinate Research Committee meetings, including agenda preparation, documentation, minutes, and follow-up actions.
- Prepare reports, briefs, and recommendations for the Director of Medical Services, Executive Leadership Team, Research Committee, and Board as required.
- Contribute to continuous improvement processes to ensure compliance with relevant standards and safe, effective service delivery.
- Gather and record statistical data relevant to measuring performance against agreed indicators and participate in review and evaluation activities.
- Participate in organisational and community activities to advance the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Work within Wuchopperen’s Policies and Procedures including the Staff Code of Conduct and the Work Health and Safety requirements and contribute to continuous improvement processes to ensure compliance with relevant sta

📌 Research Coordinator (Cairns Regional)
🏢 Wuchopperen Health Service
📍 Cairns Regional