Research Support Officer (Major Initiatives) – Research Grants & Contracts at UNSW

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Jun, 26

Salary

123301.0

Posted On

27 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Research Funding Administration, Project Coordination, Research Governance, Funding Rules, Sponsor Requirements, Organisational Skills, Communication Skills, Post-Award Project Activities, Complex Funding Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Issue Resolution, Contract Execution

Industry

Higher Education

Description

The Opportunity * Full-time (35 hrs week) Continuing (permanent) role * Hybrid/Flexible working, including 9-day fortnight option available * $103,866 – $123,301 (depending on experience) + 17% superannuation Research Grants and Contracts (RGC) within the Division of Research and Enterprise contributes to UNSW’s research performance and profile via the effective management of the University’s research funding. RGC is the key link between UNSW researchers, executive and funding agencies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC), other government and non-government research funders, philanthropic competitive grant funders and industry partners. The RGC teams are a crucial component in the University’s ongoing strategy to increase knowledge exchange and towards meeting the goals of “Progress for All.” Each year RGC manages projects valued at more than $450M in research income which includes more than 3.000 applications and 6,000 ongoing projects on behalf of UNSW, supporting more than 2,000 UNSW academics. This position will support the provision of high-level governance and consistency in the management of major investments and high-risk external funding streams across all stages of the funding cycle, including assisting at application stage, reviewing and arranging contract execution, and supporting post-award management. This position reports to the Grants Manager - Major Initiatives and has no direct reports. The Organisation UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We are a large organisation with a diverse and highly talented community doing extraordinary work. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all we do, and this collective approach is what gives our work impact. It is also why UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities in the QS World University Rankings and is a proud member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you’re seeking a career where you can thrive, be challenged and contribute to meaningful work, you’re in the right place. Benefits and Culture: UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to benefits including: * Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period * Access to learning and career development * Progressive HR practices * Discounts and entitlements * Affordable on-campus parking Skills and Experience Required Level 6 * Research funding administration or project coordination. * Strong understanding of research governance, funding rules, and sponsor requirements. * Excellent organisational and communication skills to support post-award project activities. Level 7 (as well as Level 6 requirements) * Proven pro-active experience in complex funding management, as well as providing high level advice, managing and resolving complex research funding issues, and contributing to stakeholder engagement and training. * Demonstrated experience managing relationships with researchers and/or external stakeholders To apply: If supporting high-impact research is of interest to you, please submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to each of the Skills and Experience nominated in the Position Description via the APPLY button. Pre-Employment Checks Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: - * National and International Criminal history checks * Entitlement to work and ID checks * Working With Children Checks * Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration * Verification of relevant qualifications * Verification of relevant professional membership * Employment history and reference checks * Financial responsibility assessments/checks. * Medical Checks and Assessments Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW. Contact: Shiree Thomas - Talent Acquisition Partner - e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au [shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au] Note: Applications sent to the contact listed will not be accepted. Applications close: 11.55pm, Sunday 12th April 2026. UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Responsibilities

This position supports high-level governance and consistency in managing major investments and high-risk external funding streams across the entire funding cycle, including application assistance, contract execution, and post-award management. The role contributes to the effective management of the University’s research funding, acting as a key link between researchers, executive, and various funding agencies.