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Key role guiding research grant applications and compliance across the Faculty
Join a supportive university community with excellent benefits and staff development
Permanent, full-time role | lifestyle campus locations at Gold Coast or Lismore
Be Bold. Belong. Be More.At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.
Your opportunity
As the Senior Administration Officer, Research within the Faculty of Education you will play a key role in supporting research excellence by coordinating critical administrative, financial and compliance activities that underpin the Faculty’s research success. Your expertise and proactive approach will help our researchers focus on what matters most - delivering research that transforms education and communities.
Your core responsibilities will include:
Coordinate and support the research grants process, including assisting researchers with grant proposal development, submission and reporting, and providing expert advice and guidance to academic staff on research compliance, policies, funding requirements, and liaising with the Office of Research.
Preparing and managing research-related financial administration, data reporting and analysis.
Coordinate Faculty Research and HDR governance committees and coordinate online research events to support faculty initiatives.
Building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders across the University and with external partners.
Contributing to process improvements and supporting the Faculty’s research strategy.
What you will bring
You will bring a research administration background within higher education and the confidence to work independently as the Faculty’s key contact for all research administration matters. You are detail-oriented, proactive and highly organised, with the ability to lead academic staff through complex grant and compliance processes. Your strong communication, stakeholder management and data administration skills will be critical to success in this role.
To be successful, you will have:
A relevant degree with subsequent relevant experience, or equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
Demonstrated experience in higher education research administration, with a strong understanding of grant processes and research (including HDR) policies and procedures, as well as a proven ability to work collaboratively with researchers within faculties to support their research activities.
Experience reviewing complex research funding rules and agreements, providing advice, maintaining financial records, preparing budgets, and regularly reporting on expenditure against budgets.
Excellent communication skills to influence, negotiate and support stakeholders.
Demonstrated analytical skills to interpret data, and develop and apply guidelines, policies and procedures.
It’s not essential, but we’d love it if you bring strong project management skills, particularly in higher education or research administration.
Why Southern Cross University
SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed.
A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.
Your opportunity is:
Full-time, continuing (permanent)
Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities
HEW Level 6. The base salary ranges from $95,961 - $105,250 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $123,143.
You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?
Be more with Southern Cross University today
Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.
Name: Mr Simon Brown, Faculty Manager
Phone: 02 6626 9157
Email: simon.brown@scu.edu.au
Applications close 11.30pm AEDT 18 February 2026
Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au.