Research Support Officer - Research Services

Full-time

Job Description

• Full-time, Ongoing position at HEW Level 6
• Penrith campus with flexible working arrangements
• Salary: $95,777 to $102,659 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading

Strengthen Western’s research outcomes by supporting the full lifecycle of competitive grants and research income.

The Opportunity

As the Research Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting Western’s research performance by managing the administrative processes that underpin the research income lifecycle. Working within Research Services, you will collaborate closely with academic staff, senior research support personnel and external partners to coordinate submissions, ensure compliance, and enhance the quality of research funding applications.

You will support researchers from idea development through to contract execution and reporting, helping them navigate funding rules, internal approvals, and milestone requirements. You will maintain accurate documentation, strengthen operational processes, and contribute to a service culture that enables impactful research across the University.

Your role sits within a fast-paced and evolving funding landscape, where accuracy, initiative and structured coordination are essential. With strong attention to detail, you will help deliver streamlined systems, improved outcomes, and a positive experience for researchers engaging in competitive grants and contracts.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver accurate, timely coordination of grant and tender submissions across diverse funding schemes.
• Provide clear guidance to academics on eligibility, funding rules and compliance requirements.
• Maintain high-quality records of applications, contracts and reporting obligations.
• Support effective communication with funding bodies, government agencies and industry partners.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of research support processes and system efficiencies.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Degree-qualified with relevant experience in research administration, grants, tenders or business management.
• Strong knowledge across the research income lifecycle, including funding schemes and compliance rules.
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to high-quality service delivery.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in time-sensitive environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with academics, professional staff, government and industry partners.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Beyond a rewarding career, we offer a suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and family wellbeing:

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Freya MacMillan, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, via F.Macmillan@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF486O. 
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Monday 2nd March 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact disability@westernsydney.edu.au.

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.