- Part time 40% or 2 days per week
- Fixed-term 12 months
- Position can be based at any of La Trobe University campus
About the Role
As the Community Engagement in Research Project Officer, you will bring your lived experience and community engagement expertise to foster inclusive and participatory research at OTARC. Working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders—including OTARC’s Autistic Advisory Committee (“Autvisory” Committee)—you will develop processes and build meaningful partnerships that promote impactful research and service delivery.
You will help shape and support OTARC’s engagement strategies and ensure that Autistic voices are central to our work.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement best-practice models for community engagement in research.
- Coordinate and facilitate meetings with the Autvisory Committee.
- Build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Support OTARC staff and students to incorporate inclusive engagement practices.
- Provide governance and operational recommendations that support inclusive research.
About You
You are someone with:
- A degree and relevant experience, or equivalent combination of knowledge and training.
- A strong understanding of neurodiversity and the Australian autism landscape.
- Demonstrated experience in community engagement, particularly with Autistic communities.
- Autistic and/or other neurodivergent lived experience.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
- A passion for participatory research and improving outcomes for Autistic people.
Why Join Us?
At OTARC, we are committed to advancing the quality of life for Autistic people through high-impact research, community collaboration, and translation of knowledge into practice. We lead by example in neuro-inclusive practices and provide all team members with:
- Access to dedicated neuro-inclusion coaching and mentoring
- Flexible work arrangements
- A values-driven and inclusive workplace culture
La Trobe is proud of its vibrant, diverse community. We value innovation, connection, and care—and strive to make a meaningful difference through everything we do.
How to apply
Closing date: By 11:55pm Sunday 18th May 2025
Recruitment Enquiries: Doug Scobie via email - d.scobie@latrobe.edu.au
Position Description below:
PD - Community Eng Res Officer.pdf
Only candidates with Full Working Rights in Australia may apply for this position.
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
- A cover letter addressing your suitability for the position relating to the Key selection criteria (located within the PD under the ‘Specific skills and knowledge required for the position’) section. You can choose to either 1) respond to each of the selection criteria, or 2) provide a more general statement of how you skills and experience make you suitable for the role as per the selection criteria.
- An up to date resume
Please scroll down to apply.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates. For enquiries about specific accessibility requirements for OTARC positions, please contact Doug Scobie.
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
