• Thompson Institute | Based in Far North Queensland – Remote Work Arrangement
• Level 6, $95,986 - $103,873 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time (36.25 hours per week), Fixed-term appointment for 3 years

The Opportunity

Make a meaningful impact where it matters most. As Research Coordinator for the Let’s Yarn About Sleep (LYAS) program, you’ll lead innovative sleep health research and community engagement initiatives across Far North Queensland. Working under the guidance of the Program Manager, you’ll build strong, lasting relationships with remote communities while driving program delivery on the ground. This is a unique opportunity to combine research, travel, and community connection in a role that truly makes a difference.

Please note - The position is based in Far North Queensland which involves regular travel to remote communities.

For more information, please visit us online: Thompson Institute

The University of the Sunshine Coast considers that being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and the filling of this position constitutes a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth).

The position is therefore only open to Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

You will

• Coordinate the delivery of the Let's Yarn About Sleep program in Far North Queensland; and
• Build community connections and lead community engagement activities in Far North Queensland, including travelling to participating sites and establishing partnerships and collaborations with community members, Elders, and service providers.

About you

You are a highly organised and proactive professional who excels at planning ahead, prioritising competing demands, and delivering on deadlines in fast-paced, evolving environments. Resourceful and self-driven, you bring a flexible approach and thrive when working independently while staying connected to a broader team. Your strong interpersonal and communication skills enable you to build effective relationships and produce clear, concise documentation that supports successful project outcomes. If you’re detail-oriented and confident managing multiple priorities, this is an opportunity to truly make your mark.

You will possess:

• Completion of a relevant degree in Social Work, Public Health, or a related field, with substantial experience in community engagement and outreach work;
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in research methodologies, including community yarning, focus groups, and other culturally informed engagement approaches;
• Significant experience working with rural and remote First Nations communities in Queensland, particularly in a research or community program context;
• Completion of or willingness to complete Sleep Health education and training (e.g., Sleep Coach training) to lead program delivery and support participants effectively;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce clear and succinct documentation; and
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Working with Children Check (Blue Card) in Queensland.

Don't meet every requirement? At UniSC, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position description: Research Coordinator

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 26 April 2026. 

Your completed application must include:

• a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Prof Fatima Yaqoot
Professor in Sleep Research - Thompson Institute
Telephone: 07 5456 5315
Email: fyaqoot@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 fields ranked well above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, demonstrating outstanding performance across key disciplines. At UniSC, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape and contribute to shaping the future for generations to come.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.