Anthropology & Research Professionals

ANTHROPOLOGY & RESEARCH UNIT

Two-year fixed term contract – Cairns, Townsville or another remote location may be considered

• Position Location: Cairns, Townsville or another remote location may be considered.
• Employment Type: Two-year fixed term contract
• Salary:
  • $86,234 for graduate (0-2 years) and $93,272 early career anthropologists and researchers (2-5 years)
  • $109,113 for experienced anthropologists and professional researchers (5-10 years)
  • $132,558 for senior anthropologists (10+ years)

About NQLC

North Queensland Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (NQLC) is the Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) delivering native title services in North Queensland. NQLC is run by a First Nations board of directors, representing several native title groupsfrom across the NQLC’s region, each of whom have their own language, culture, traditions and protocols.

NQLC’s region spans an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and cultures—from the marine world heritage Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics and the Central Queensland Coast and to the Whitsunday Archipelago and beyond. The region stretches inland across the Einasleigh and Desert Uplands, Mitchell Grass Downs, and the vast Savannah Gulf Plains. The NQLC region encompasses the traditional country of more than forty distinct native title groups.

NQLC services include advising on and conducting native title claims from initial research to determination; mediation and dispute resolution; support for registered native title claimants and
prescribed bodies corporate (PBCs) seeking assistance with future act matters including mining and exploration and other infrastructure projects; advice and assistance on cultural heritage management; negotiation and drafting of Indigenous land use agreements including logistical and other support during negotiations and in agreement implementation; and support for PBCs to strengthen and consolidate administrative and management practices.

Our offices are in Cairns and Townsville, both vibrant regional cities in tropical North Queensland and gateways to the lush tablelands and inland tropical savannah and iconic World Heritage sites like the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. Both cities are well-connected, with international airports and daily flights to major capital cities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to ensure that the native title rights and interests of every traditional owner within their region is legally recognised, and for Aboriginal people to benefit culturally, socially and economically from the secure possession of their traditional land and waters.

About You

You will have a genuine commitment to achieving real outcomes for First Nations people and support meaningful cross-cultural engagement. Successful applicants will be motivated, solution-oriented team players with excellent analytical abilities, communication and consultation expertise, to deliver the best outcomes for NQLC’s constituents.

In addition to this, you will have:

• Degree in Anthropology, or related discipline; and / or experience in a similar industry or role.
• A working knowledge of the NTA and other legislation that impacts the NQLC, or the ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge.
• Proven ability to undertake complex research and critical analysis, and prepare anthropological reports, associated materials and other documents for various purposes to a high standard

About the Role

Graduate Anthropologist – Research Officer

Full position description available at the bottom of this page.

Under the supervision of the Anthropology and Research Unit (ARU) Manager, the Anthropologist – Research Officer is responsible for undertaking supervised research and assist on anthropological matters in relation to the NQLC’s native title practice including pre- and post‐determination matters. This graduate position will assist in the research and preparation of documentation for new and ongoing Native Title Determination Applications (NTDA), support engagement with native title claimants and holders, and undertake other discreet research projects, as directed, to build capability.

On a day-to-day basis, you will build your applied anthropology capability by assisting on varied research projects including supervised fieldwork, contribute to written outputs, and comply with internal record keeping and administrative practices, ensuring protection of sensitive and confidential information.

Anthropologist – Research Officer

Full position description available at the bottom of this page.

Under the supervision of the Anthropology and Research Unit (ARU) Manager, the Anthropologist – Research Officer is responsible for providing advice and assistance on anthropological matters in relation to the NQLC’s native title practice including pre- and post‐determination matters. This position is responsible for undertaking supervised research, assisting with preparation of documentation for new and ongoing Native Title Determination Applications (NTDA), undertake consultation and engagement with native title claimants and holders, and complete other discreet research projects as directed.

On a day-to-day basis, you will play a key role in supporting multiple research and consultation projects, ensuring reporting complies with State and Federal Court requirements, adhering to internal record-keeping and administrative standards, and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Senior Anthropologist

Full position description available at the bottom of this page.

Under the supervision of the Anthropology and Research Unit (ARU) Manager, the Senior Anthropologist is responsible for providing high-level advice and assistance on anthropological matters in relation to the NQLC’s native title practice in the pre- and post‐determination matters. This position is responsible for coordinating and preparing the NQLC’s documentation for new and ongoing Native Title Determination Applications (NTDA), developing positive working relationships with native title claimants and holders through respectful and culturally aware consultation and engagement practice, and providing mentoring and coaching of Anthropologists within the Unit, as required.

On a day-to-day basis, you will lead multiple projects involving research, consultation, mediation, and facilitation. You will be responsible for ensuring the quality and accuracy of research outputs maintaining compliance with internal record-keeping and administrative procedures and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.

What NQLC offers

In addition to a unique and rewarding position at NQLC, we offer a safe, supportive, and dynamic team environment that fosters professional growth, meaningful collaboration and work with impact. We’re committed to providing an excellent work-life balance, with flexible working arrangements that empower you to thrive both personally and professionally.

This role presents a unique opportunity to make a real difference by supporting First Nations communities across the NQLC region, while being part of a workplace that values cultural respect, inclusion, and genuine teamwork.

We offer:

• Base salaries plus 15.4% superannuation (and annual CPI increases):
• $86,234 for graduate (0-2 years) and $93,272 early career anthropologists and researchers (2-5 years)
• $109,113 for experienced anthropologists and professional researchers (5-10 years)
• $132,558 for senior anthropologists (10+ years)
• Salary Sacrifice up to $15,900 per annum.

Other Enterprise Agreement benefits:

• 4 weeks annual leave, 18.5% leave loading, 20 days personal leave
• Paid Christmas close down and additional paid office closures on Mabo Day and NAIDOC Day
• Flexible working arrangements
• Healthy Employees Program

How to Apply

NQLC is an equal opportunity employer and values inclusion and diversity. We strongly encourage First Nations candidates to apply.
To apply for a position please send:

• A cover letter identifying the position you are applying for, and addressing the selection criteria listed on the corresponding Position Description; and
• a copy of your CV including two referees

via email to cservices@nqlc.com.au no later than 03 March 2026.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact the NQLC on (07) 4042 7013.