Senior Research Support Officer – UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture

• Employment Type: Continuing Full-Time (35-hour week)
• Remuneration Level 7: $110073 - $% Superannuation
• Location: Kensington NSW (the successful candidate will be required to work on campus 3 days a week)
• Belong to a vibrant campus community where dreamers are doers.

Why The Role Matters:

The Senior Research Support Officer is responsible for leading and managing efficient and effective pre- and post-award support for research grants and contracts to assist ADA researchers to meet obligations to external sponsors and partners. Responsibilities include project establishment variations reporting and project close-out. The Senior Research Support Officer provides proactive and customer service-oriented support to ADAs research community and works closely with the Research Grants and Contracts team to ensure the continuous improvement and compliance of research project management systems.

Accountabilities:

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Accountabilities)

• Develop and monitor the support for pre- and post-award administration of externally sponsored research grants and contract research including project establishment variations reporting and project close-out.
• Provide expert advice and proactive and customer service-oriented support on pre- and post-award funding matters.
• Act as the primary point of contact for compliance matters within the Faculty Research Office developing and delivering training guidance and policy interpretation.
• Inform ADA researchers of any compliance issues regarding funding agency regulations and policies. Assist in correcting discrepancies and monitor corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain a calendar of reporting deadlines and closeout reminders for grants awarded to ADA researchers.
• Maintain records files reports databases and resource materials pertinent to grants management within the Faculty Research Office.
• Conduct strategic audits and risk assessments of pre and post award matters maintain a robust quality assurance system and prepare reports and other analytics for the Research Support Manager and other portfolio leadership.
• Review and interpret complex funding agreements funding agreements for compliance with University policy and administrative requirements.
• Develop and manage effective communications with key stakeholders in relation to pre- and post-award administration matters.
• Identify and lead initiatives to streamline and innovate pre- and post-award administrative processes and contribute to the development of quality procedures policy and training.
  
  

Skills and Experience:

To be considered you will hold Australian Working Rights or Australian Citizenship. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

(please review the Position Description for a full list of Skills and Experience)

• Relevant tertiary qualification with demonstrated experience in a research administration environment providing pre and/or post award support preferably in the higher education sector.
• Demonstrated experience in reviewing understanding and interpreting agreements contracts funding guidelines and other research related procedures and policies.
• Demonstrated high-level understanding of the domestic and international research funding landscape and the funding schemes of most relevance to ADAs research strengths (e.g. ARC Creative Australia DFAT NHMRC etc).
• Highly developed customer relations and interpersonal skills including demonstrated ability to use judgement provide advice and always maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills and the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines.
• Highly proficient computer literacy with excellent skills in Microsoft Office applications and database skills preferably large complex databases. Familiarity with research management software (e.g. Infoed SPIN BORIS or similar) is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects mentor staff and contribute to strategic planning and policy development.
  
  

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)

For further details on the benefits please visit to Apply:

Submit both a Cover Letter and CV online via the UNSW Job Board before Sunday 20th July 2025 by 11:30pm. Please ensure your Cover Letter addresses the Skills and Experience mentioned in the advert (no more than 1 page).


Get in Touch:

Any applications sent to the contacts below will not be accepted.

If you have questions about the role please contact Vanessa Traynor at

If you have questions about the recruitment process please contactAllyssar Hamoud at

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender sexual orientation cultural and linguistic backgrounds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. 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.