Principal Project Officer

  • The University of Queensland
  • Australia, QLD
  • Jun 9, 2026
Part-time
  •  

    Job Description:

    About This Opportunity

    This is an opportunity to contribute to community-led research that centres First Nations knowledges, perspectives, and priorities, and supports change that is grounded in justice and benefits communities beyond the academy.

    The Principal Project Officer plays an important role in delivering the Australian Research Council Discovery Indigenous project Strength in Data, Power in Community: National Evaluation of Justice Reinvestment, led by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures. Working in close partnership with the Chief Investigator and a collaborative, multi-institutional project team, you will provide high-level coordination, operational support, and culturally informed research assistance within a complex partnership environment.

    We strongly encourage applications from people who value respectful partnerships, culturally responsive and ethical research practices, and a commitment to outcomes that are meaningful for First Nations communities.

    Key responsibilities will include:

    • Coordinating the day‑to‑day delivery of project activities, including fieldwork, workshops, and a national gathering, ensuring milestones are achieved in line with agreed timelines, budgets, and governance requirements.

    • Providing high‑level project and research support to the Chief Investigator and project team, including literature reviews, data collection assistance, reporting, and preparation of research outputs.

    • Supporting the development and maintenance of project plans, monitoring and reporting frameworks, risk tracking, and compliance with ARC and ethical requirements.

    • Supporting respectful, ongoing engagement with First Nations communities and partner organisations, facilitating communication, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in line with agreed cultural protocols.

    About You

    You are a thoughtful and capable project professional who brings strong organisational skills alongside cultural capability and care for people and process. You value collaboration, approach your work reflectively, and are comfortable navigating complexity in research and community contexts.

    You will bring:

    • Relevant qualification or equivalent experience, including community-based knowledge, in justice, social sciences, or Indigenous studies.

    • Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, or organisations, demonstrating culturally appropriate, respectful, and responsive approaches.

    • Demonstrated experience coordinating projects, including planning, tracking progress, and supporting delivery within agreed timelines and resources.

    • Experience contributing to research activities, including data collection, literature reviews, and preparing outputs such as reports, publications, or community-focused materials.

    • Strong ability to build and maintain respectful relationships, alongside well-developed organisational and problem-solving skills in a collaborative, multi-partner environment.

    Desirable

    • Experience supporting community-based or field research, including coordinating engagement activities such as yarning circles or similar approaches.

    About UQ

    As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

    Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

    Interested?

    For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Krystal Lockwood via email [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

    When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

    Other Information 

    Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia, criminal history checks, and Blue Card checks. The successful candidate must hold, or be able to obtain, a Queensland Blue Card. 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.

    We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

    Applications close Monday 22 July 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-65243). Please note applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. Please note that Interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing 13th of July.



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