Associate Director (Research Grants, Pre-Award)

Job Description:

• Research Office
• Elevate UQ’s research funding success in a senior leadership role, providing strategic oversight of pre-award grant development and positioning researchers for success in major national and international funding schemes.
• Full-time fixed term position for up to five years
• Based at our Toowong & St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

The Associate Director (Research Grants, Pre-Award) plays a key leadership role in advancing the University’s research funding success by overseeing the strategic and operational delivery of pre-award research grant services. Reporting to the Director (Research Office), the position leads teams responsible for supporting researchers through the development and submission of competitive grant applications and strengthening the University’s research funding pipeline.

This role operates within a high-volume, deadline-driven environment that supports major national and international funding submissions across the University. You will be responsible for ensuring complex grant submission pipelines progress effectively, balancing strategic initiatives with the operational coordination required during peak funding periods.

Working closely with senior leaders, researchers and professional staff across the University, you will provide expert strategic advice on national and international research funding opportunities and emerging policy trends. The role is instrumental in ensuring high-quality, client-focused research support services that position researchers for success while strengthening the University’s research income, impact and reputation.

For more information about this opportunity, please click here for the complete appointment booklet

About You

You will bring significant experience within the higher education research environment, with a strong understanding of the research funding landscape and the strategic drivers shaping national and international funding opportunities. Your ability to interpret policy, analyse complex information and provide high-level strategic advice will enable researchers and leaders to navigate competitive funding environments.

An experienced leader, you will demonstrate the ability to manage and motivate high-performing teams while delivering high-quality services in a fast-paced environment. You will also bring excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the capacity to work collaboratively across a large and complex organisation to strengthen research funding outcomes and support the University’s research strategy.

Enquiries

For enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Dr Jodi Clyde Smith, Executive Director, Research Office, at j.clyde-smith@uq.edu.au

For application enquiries, please reach out to Maddy Flaherty, Principal Advisor via talent@uq.edu.au.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section outlined in the Appointment Booklet

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Sunday 12 April 2026, 11.00pm AEST (R-62281).