This opportunity is offered in accordance with section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 and candidates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who meet the selection criteria for this role will be prioritised for appointment.

The Opportunity

The Kids Research Institute Australia is one of the largest and most successful medical research institutes in Australia. We are dedicated to improving the health and lives of children everywhere through groundbreaking research.

Our First Nations Childhood Cancer Research program is a first of its kind and aims to develop new strategies to better treat Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with cancer. This program engages closely with First Nations communities to understand the questions they have, the research they want undertaken, and to ensure the research is culturally safe. The program will empower First Nations communities, transform care, and ultimately ensure that every child has the best chance to thrive after cancer.

As our research team grows, we now have an exciting opportunity for a Co-Head to assist our current Team Head in driving this internationally competitive research program.

In this role, you will:

Co-lead and direct the strategic direction and activities of the research team and projects.
Conceptualise, plan and conduct innovative original research of an international standard.
Conceive novel research programs and author funding applications.
Build networks with researchers, health care providers and policy makers in related areas.

Located within Perth Children’s Hospital in Nedlands, this is an ongoing position that may be offered on a part-tine or full-time basis.

About You

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in cancer biology, Indigenous health or related sciences. You will have a minimum of 3 years postdoctoral training in a related field of research (e.g. childhood cancer, Indigenous genomics). Along with this, you will demonstrate:

The ability to drive successful knowledge generation in past research projects evidenced by papers in internationally respected journals and/or patents.
Demonstrated supervisory skills, with a passion to develop as an independent group leader.
Successful experience in submissions such as grants and ethics applications.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).

At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:

Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
Partner with communities to strengthen cultural awareness and belonging.
Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.

Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy:

Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
Flexible and hybrid working options.
Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.

How to Apply

If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.

Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact recruitment@thekids.org.au.

Contact Name: Jessica Buck

Contact Email: jessica.buck@thekids.org.au

Closing Date: 22/01/2026 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.

The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to being champions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability. As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of the first Australian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program.

We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people are at the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in the Institute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health.