"Senior Research Administration Officer"

About This Opportunity

Join the QAAFI Commercial and Grants Office as a Senior Research Administration Officer and play a pivotal role in enabling cutting-edge research and innovation. In this role, you will support researchers across the full project lifecycle—helping secure funding, manage contracts, and deliver impactful outcomes. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive team that values open communication, shared learning, and mutual respect, while building strong connections across the University and with external partners.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to research excellence, advance your professional skills, and make a tangible impact on QAAFI’s mission to drive innovation in agriculture and food systems.

Full-time fixed-term position for up to 2 years
Base salary will be in the range $95,361.62 - $102,302.92 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 6)
Based at our St Lucia Campus

Key responsibilities will include:

• Grant and Project Support
  Facilitate the preparation, coordination, and submission of research funding applications, ensuring compliance with guidelines, assisting with budgets, and supporting post-award management to enable successful research outcomes.
• Contracting and Stakeholder Collaboration
  Manage research contracts and agreements, coordinating legal and administrative review while building strong, effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including UniQuest, Finance, Legal, and industry partners.
• Research Operations and Engagement
  Maintain accurate research records and systems, provide guidance to staff on research administration processes, and support the delivery of workshops, seminars, and communications that strengthen QAAFI’s research community and impact.

About You

• Qualifications & Experience: A degree with relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Research Administration Expertise: Experience in research administration within a tertiary environment, with sound knowledge of research policies and procedures, or the demonstrated capacity to quickly acquire and apply this knowledge.
• Pre-Award & Contract Support: Knowledge of, or direct experience in, research pre-award submission processes and administration of research contracts (e.g., Funding Agreements, CRAs, NDAs, MTAs) is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in computer applications for word processing, data management, and spreadsheets; experience with university reporting and granting systems (e.g., MyResearch, SmartyGrants, SmartSheets) is highly valued.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, sound judgement, and the ability to maintain confidentiality while developing strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Initiative: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative, sound judgement, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Organisation & Time Management: Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage and prioritise competing tasks and meet deadlines consistently.

Benefits

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times and purchased leave
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
• Salary packaging options

To apply: Upload Resume and A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section. Job reference: R-62751.

Applications close Monday March 30th 2026 at 11.00pm AEST.