Research Office

Full-time, fixed-term position until the end of February 2027

Base salary will be in the range $135,300 - $143,081 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 9)

Based at our St. Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for driving excellence in research administration?

The University of Queensland is seeking a Senior Manager (Awards) to lead multiple teams in delivering high-quality, customer-focused post-award research management services. In this role, you will oversee the entire post-award lifecycle of research projects, ensuring compliance, managing and negotiating complex agreements, liaising with funding providers, and facilitating project variations to support UQ’s world-class research community.

As a key leader within the Research Office, you will drive continuous improvement, streamline operational processes, and foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Your expertise in research grant management and commitment to service excellence will help shape the strategic direction of post-award support at UQ.

Key responsibilities will include:

Lead and mentor multiple teams to deliver high-quality, customer-focused post-award research management services, ensuring compliance with UQ and funding provider policies.

Oversee the full post-award lifecycle, including the preparation, negotiation, and execution of research agreements, project variations, financial management, and reporting, while providing expert advice on complex contractual matters.

Drive continuous improvement by reviewing and refining operational processes, optimising service delivery, and fostering a culture of excellence within the team.

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, collaborating across faculties, institutes, and funding bodies to support UQ’s research initiatives and contribute to strategic decision-making.

About the Research Office

The Research Office (RO) aims to enhance UQ’s research performance and profile by collaborating with faculties, institutes, research teams, and individual researchers to initiate, facilitate, and secure research funding and research agreements to support UQ’s agenda and to the mutual needs of its partners. This includes efforts to elevate UQ’s research profile, its partnerships and to increase the level, quality, and diversity of research funding.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

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, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight

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 $6.15 a day)

Salary packaging options

About You

We’re looking for a strategic, solutions-focused leader with a passion for supporting world-class research. You will thrive in a fast-paced, service-driven environment, guiding teams through complex research funding processes while fostering strong partnerships across UQ and beyond.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

Proven experience in research grant administration and post-award management within a large, complex organisation, preferably in the higher education sector.

Demonstrated expertise in negotiating, preparing, and managing research agreements and contracts, with a strong understanding of compliance requirements.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor, develop, and manage high-performing teams in a service-driven environment.

Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to navigate complex environments, influence senior stakeholders, and ensure compliance with funding and institutional policies.

Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with the ability to break down complex challenges, identify solutions, and drive continuous improvement.

The ability to be agile and balance multiple priorities, whilst working with accuracy and professionalism to meet tight deadlines in a high-volume environment.

A commitment to innovation and best practice, with a proactive approach to streamlining research administration processes.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every individual selection criterion. If you are passionate about supporting research and believe you can contribute to our team, we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Amelie Wilkinson at [email protected]

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

Resume

A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact [email protected].

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Sunday 16 of November 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-57441). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week of the 17th of November 2025.

Applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The University of Queensland reserves the right to close this application process early.