Operations Officer - Research Grants & Contracts
Operations Officer - Research Grants & Contracts
Job no: 539594
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Research Administration support
The Opportunity
- Full-time (35 hours week), Fixed Term Contract to 18 December 2026
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements including 9-day fortnight option
- Remuneration starting from $88,717 + 17% superannuation
The Role:
Research Grants and Contracts (RGC) contribute to UNSW’s research performance and profile via the effective management of the University’s research income. RGC is the key link between UNSW researchers, executive and funding agencies such as the NHMRC, ARC, other government and non-government research funders, philanthropic competitive grant funders and industry partners.
Each year the RGC manages projects valued at more than $450M in research income which includes more than 6,000 ongoing projects on behalf of UNSW, supporting more than 2,000 UNSW academics.
This Operations Officer role will initially focus on data entry and data quality assurance, ensuring the reliability of research management information. Over time, there is opportunity to contribute to process improvement and digital innovation, including hands-on involvement in the introduction and adoption of AI tools (such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT) to streamline and digitise workflows. The Operations Officer will play an active role in:
- Testing and supporting the implementation of AI-enabled solutions to improve operational efficiency
- Assisting with the digitisation of processes and reduction of manual administrative tasks
- Monitoring outputs and reports once AI tools and automated processes are embedded, ensuring accuracy and continuous improvement
This position is well suited to someone who is both detail-oriented and curious about emerging technologies, with a desire to apply and grow their AI and automation capabilities in a real-world operational environment.
About UNSW:
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 UNSW benefits including:
- Hybrid/Flexible working
- Access to lifelong learning and career development
- Progressive HR practices
- Discounts and entitlements
- Affordable on-campus parking
About You
Level 5
You have a relevant tertiary qualification and or experience and can demonstrate the following:
- Experience in the delivery of operational and administrative support services and ability to provide innovative solutions to problems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to articulate thoughts and express ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
- Experience working effectively with information management systems to analyse and interpret management reports (e.g., lnfoEd, RMS, RGMS).
- Decision-making capacity showing the ability to utilise information and knowledge, the experience to analyse and form sound judgements and take action within a reasonable timeframe.
- Ability to write procedures and document workflow processes.
- Organisational and time management skills to ensure effective delivery of administrative support services.
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
To Apply:
If supporting research administration is of interest to you, please submit your CV and Cover Letter and via the APPLY button.
Contact: Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Partner e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11.55pm, Wednesday 13th May 2026
Pre-Employment ChecksAligned 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.
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.
Advertised: 01 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 13 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
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