• This is an identified position, we are seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and from: s27 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT)

Summary of Role

The Knowledge Translation Lead provides a medical and researcher’s perspective and input to further develop and grow AIDA’s current programs of support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and trainees and is responsible for further developing knowledge translation ideas and programs. The position will be responsible for designing and leading comprehensive evaluations of AIDA’s programs for support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical education and workforce development, assessing the effectiveness, impact, and sustainability.

The following key responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed, they are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Key responsibilities

The role focuses on enhancing cultural safety in medical education and promoting the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and trainees. The lead will work collaboratively with academic institutions, health services, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure the programs are culturally appropriate and meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Knowledge Translation and Dissemination:
  • Lead the translation of academic research and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into practical applications for medical education and healthcare training.
  • Work with researchers to identify key findings relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical education and ensure their dissemination in culturally appropriate ways.
  • Develop tools, resources, and guidelines that support the incorporation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and evidence-based research into medical education curricula.
• Curriculum Enhancement:
  • Ensure that the medical education curriculum content reflects current Indigenous led research on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues, social & cultural determinants of health, and best practice for culturally safe care.
  • Work with medical schools to ensure that pedagogy embeds learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, reflecting Indigenous methodologies, values and perspectives.
• Building Capacity for Knowledge Translation:
  • Facilitate workshops and professional development opportunities that enhance the capacity of medical educators to apply research findings in their teaching and clinical practice.
  • Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and students in developing skills in knowledge translation and evidence-based practice.
• Evaluation Design and Planning:
  • Develop evaluation designs and methodologies that are culturally appropriate and aligned with community needs.
  • Collaborate with program managers and stakeholders to establish clear evaluation objectives, indicators, and data collection methods.
  • Ensure that evaluation activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with relevant guidelines.
• Partnerships, Collaboration & Advocacy:
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with universities, research institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies to ensure the continuous flow of knowledge between research, policy, and practice.
  • Collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organizations and advocacy groups to ensure that knowledge translation activities align with national priorities and policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
  • Work with policy makers to ensure that evidence-based research on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical education informs policy and system reform.
• Cultural Safety:
  • Ensure that knowledge translation activities are conducted in a culturally safe manner, respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander intellectual property, traditions, and protocols.
  • Advocate for the inclusion of cultural safety principles in all aspects of medical education and healthcare training, ensuring that students and professionals are equipped to provide respectful and culturally appropriate care.
  • Promote understanding and awareness of the unique health challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples among healthcare professionals and educators.

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

• Medical professional with APHRA registration
• Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, values, and health issues, and the ability to work respectfully within these communities.
• Proven commitment to culturally safe practice and improving self-determination and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• A thorough understanding of the medical education environment and the barriers and enablers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and doctors.
• Experience in conducting and/or interpreting research, with an emphasis on applying findings to real-world practice and education. Ability to translate complex research findings into practical, culturally relevant applications.
• Experience advocating for system change to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical workforce and improve cultural safety.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence change.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and manage competing demands and priorities.

Desirable Qualifications:

Postgraduate Degree: A postgraduate qualification in public health, medical education, or a related field, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health or knowledge translation.

Personal Attributes:

• Culturally aware, inclusive in approach and respectful of all others at all times.
• Calm and highly organised, with a structured yet flexible working style and adept at reprioritising workflows to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to actively nurture collaborative working relationships and demonstrates initiative and drive to improve workplace processes.
• Exceptional standards of personal integrity and who ensures that sensitive matters are handled discreetly and diplomatically.
• Effective communicator, including written and verbal, and with both individuals and groups.
• Strategic thinker, able to make connections and plan for the future.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal guidance.
• Flexible and adaptive team player.

This part time (0.6 FTE) role is pivotal in ensuring that the latest research and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge are effectively used to enhance medical education and improve healthcare delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.