The Research Grants and Contracts team plays a vital role in enhancing UNSW’s research impact by managing over $450M in annual research income across more than 6,000 active projects.

We are expanding our Major Initiatives team that provides end-to-end governance and support for high-value and high-risk research programs, ensuring compliance, strategic alignment, and strong partner relationships across some of the University’s most complex and strategically significant research projects, including ARC Centres of Excellence, CRCs, and other high-profile partnerships.

The Opportunities

Contracts Officer (Level 7) Salary from $113,926pa
Provide high level support and consistency around management of major investments and high-risk funding. Span all aspects of project support with a focus on the review, negotiation, and coordination of research contracts and agreements.

Skills and Experience Required

• Experience drafting and reviewing multi-party or competitive research agreements.
• Legal or contractual expertise, ideally within the university or research sector.
• Ability to work collaboratively with legal teams and external partners.
• Strong attention to detail and policy compliance.

Research Support Officer (Level 6/7) x 2 Salary from $103,866pa
Provide high-level operational support to major research initiatives across the funding lifecycle.

Skills and Experience Required

Level 6

• Research funding administration or project coordination.
• Strong understanding of research governance, funding rules, and sponsor requirements.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills to support post-award project activities.

Level 7 (as well as Level 6 requirements) Salary from $113,926pa

Proven pro-active experience in complex funding management, as well as providing high level advice, managing and resolving complex research funding issues, and contributing to stakeholder engagement and training.

• Demonstrated experience managing relationships with researchers and/or external stakeholders

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• Career development opportunities.
• 17% Superannuation contributions and additional leave loading payments.
• Additional 3 days of leave over Christmas period.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness).
• Affordable on campus parking

To Apply: Please submit your CV, Cover Letter and responses to Skills and Experience required in the Position Description via the Apply button

Click to review: Position Descriptions - Major Initiatives.pdf

Contact: Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Consultant: [email protected]

Note: Applications sent to the contact listed will not be accepted.

Applications close: 11:55pm, Sunday 10th August 2025

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.