Research Grants and Contracts Advisor

Job Description:

• Employment: Full-time, Continuing (permanent)
• Remuneration: $113,926-$123,302 + 17% super + annual leave loading
• Working Arrangements: Flexible/Hybrid working including 9-day fortnight option

Research Grants and Contracts (RGC) contributes 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.

The Opportunities

This newly created team will contribute to UNSW strategy: Progress for All by ensuring we have efficient, user-centred grant funding processes, freeing researchers to concentrate on high-impact research, innovation and translation.

Reporting to a Senior Manager, you’ll operate under the guidance of senior staff where you will provide advice to faculties on the lifecycle of research grants and contracts through engagement activities, effective relationship building and support the continuous review of RGC processes to deliver an efficient customer service approach, enabling researchers to focus on high-impact work.

Why Join UNSW?

UNSW isn’t like other organisations. We are a large and diverse community doing extraordinary work that matters. Ranked in the world’s top 20 universities (QS) and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, UNSW combines academic excellence with real-world impact.

These roles offer:

• Purpose-driven work that supports researchers and drives real impact
• Opportunity to build trusted relationships across faculties and provide clear, practical advice
• Contribution to implementation and continuous improvement of systems and processes
• Analysis of complex information to support effective case management and decision-making

Benefits & Culture

UNSW offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including:

• Additional 3 days paid leave over Christmas shutdown
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• 17% superannuation + annual leave loading
• Discounts and staff entitlements
• Affordable on-site parking
• Hybrid/Flexible working and the option to work a 9-day fortnight

Who you are

The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret needs and feedback to generate insights, implement RGC’s strategic priorities while enhancing service quality and efficiency for researchers, balancing service delivery with organisational priorities.
• Provide clear, accurate advice, and apply sound judgement within policy and procedural frameworks
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills that enable effective risk assessment, navigation of complex situations, and appropriate escalation when required.
• Experience in research administration or a related professional services environment within a university or similarly complex organisation.

How to Apply

If supporting research at UNSW is of interest to you, please submit your CV, Cover Letter and responses to the Skills and Experience nominated in the position description via the APPLY button. A copy of the Position Description can be on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact: Shiree Thomas – Talent Acquisition Partner e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55pm, Sunday 17th May 2026