SOAR Peer Advisers

Full job description
The SOAR (Support – Opportunities- Advice – Resources) Centre is a peer-to-peer support service for higher degree by research (HDR) and honours candidates. The centre is run by 10 higher degree by research candidates (SOAR Peer Advisers) employed to offer both one-to-one and group support in research skills and professional development.

In the SOAR Centre, we provide:
Advice for building research skills through peer-to-peer support;
Resources and links to support HDR candidates’ studies;
Support for life as a HDR candidate and the associated milestones; and
Opportunities for professional and career development.
In semester 2, 2026, we have 1 or 2 SOAR Peer Adviser positions available and are seeking, in particular, to recruit HDR students from the School of Engineering and School of Nursing and Midwifery.

You will be required to:
Provide peer-to-peer support, both in-person and online. Types of support might include software troubleshooting, mentoring, giving presentations, referencing support and other valuable skills you will share with your research community;
Facilitate small group workshops, called SOAR Sessions, on research and professional skills;
Provide your peers with information about services at ECU to facilitate their experience;
Create online resources from the SOAR Sessions in Canvas and the Research Student Facebook page;
Support your peers in their cultural and academic transition to life as a research candidate; and
Represent the SOAR Centre at events as required such as orientation week and school inductions.
Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Office 365 and Teams. Knowledge of NVivo, Python or Matlab will be an advantage. You will also demonstrate personal attributes that are congruent with the University’s values of Integrity, Respect, Rational Inquiry, Personal Excellence and Courage.

ECU is a smoke-free environment.

Benefits & Remuneration
These casual positions attract remuneration of $42.03 per hour plus 11.5% University superannuation contribution. Usually, SOAR peer advisers are offered one 4 hour shift per week for approximately 1+ weeks per semester.

ECU supports a work/life balance for staff. Benefits such as flexible working arrangements may also be negotiated to meet your personal circumstances. For information on the benefits of working at ECU, please visit our Employment Opportunities website .

Contact
Interested applicants are welcome to email Dr Sharon Matthews via hdrca@ecu.edu.au for more information.

How to Apply

Complete the online Personal Details Application;
Complete and attach the separate Word document titled ‘SOAR Ambassador Application’ detailing your top 5 research skills;
Attach your CV;
Request your supervisor complete the separate Word document titled “Supervisor Referee Report” and return the report to hdrca@ecu.edu.au by the application closing date; and
Complete the Selection Checklist, which is provided for your information, and bring this to your interview.

Closing Date:
Applications close on Sunday, 1 September 2026 at 11:30pm AWST.

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FROM CANDIDATES WHO HAVE THE RELEVANT WORKING RIGHTS TO FILL THIS POSITION.

ECU is a diverse and inclusive workplace reflecting the differences in society. Specific strategies and initiatives are in place to address underrepresentation of specific groups. Applications are encouraged from suitably qualified people from all backgrounds. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

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SOAR Application Form