About The Team
The Harry Butler Institute (HBI) is one of four Murdoch University research institutes delivering practical solutions that balance sustainability principles with economic growth. HBI is a world-class group of researchers. With strong links to government, business and the community, HBI is making a difference in addressing research challenges that will influence scientific endeavour.
Your New Role!
Join the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University as a Research Development Officer, where you’ll coordinate and support the development of high-quality, competitive grant proposals for interdisciplinary environmental research. Working closely with the Institute and Centre Directors, this role focuses on managing complex, multi-partner submissions, refining proposal content, and ensuring alignment with institutional and funding requirements. You’ll play a pivotal role in internal collaboration and timeline management, without the need to initiate external stakeholder engagement. This position requires proven experience in grant writing or research support, excellent attention to detail, and strong organisational skills to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Scan and track relevant funding schemes from government, industry, and philanthropic sources that align with the Institute’s strategic goals.
• Support proposal development, assisting Centre Directors and the Institute Executive Director in drafting, structuring, and refining grant proposals.
• Coordinate Complex Submissions: Support the planning and submission of large-scale, multi-partner proposals, particularly those involving government and industry collaboration.
• Work with Murdoch University’s Research and Innovation Office to ensure all submissions meet internal review processes and are compliant with funding agency requirements.
• Report to the Institute Executive Director and work alongside senior research leaders to support high-priority applications.
• Develop and manage a repository of standard proposal content, institutional capability statements, and prior successful applications.

Please refer to the
Position Description
for further details.
What We Offer You!
This Fixed Term (2 Years) | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) position attracts a remuneration of $89,000 – $96,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.
You’ll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Silver-tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), awarded in 2025, reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity, and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Periodic salary increases between 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026 totalling a 4% increase!
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options – such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our
benefits and services page
!
Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Demonstrated experience in grant or research proposal writing, preferably in a university or research setting.
• Excellent written communication, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Experience working independently and coordinating input from diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with research funding bodies (e.g. Australian Research Council, industry, research and development corporations, government tenders) is highly desirable.

Applicants should refer to the
Position Description
for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.
Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.
Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.
Contact Us
For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Prof. Treena Burgess, Executive Director, Harry Butler Institute t.burgess@murdoch.edu.au and quote JR104073 as the reference.
Applications Close on 17/08/2025 (11:59pm AWST)
The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.
Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.
Murdoch University values workplace diversity, promotes inclusion, and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, and individuals with disability. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process

Your key responsibilities will include –

• Scan and track relevant funding schemes from government, industry, and philanthropic sources that align with the Institute’s strategic goals.
• Support proposal development, assisting Centre Directors and the Institute Executive Director in drafting, structuring, and refining grant proposals.
• Coordinate Complex Submissions: Support the planning and submission of large-scale, multi-partner proposals, particularly those involving government and industry collaboration.
• Work with Murdoch University’s Research and Innovation Office to ensure all submissions meet internal review processes and are compliant with funding agency requirements.
• Report to the Institute Executive Director and work alongside senior research leaders to support high-priority applications.
• Develop and manage a repository of standard proposal content, institutional capability statements, and prior successful applications

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Demonstrated experience in grant or research proposal writing, preferably in a university or research setting.
• Excellent written communication, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Experience working independently and coordinating input from diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with research funding bodies (e.g. Australian Research Council, industry, research and development corporations, government tenders) is highly desirable