• Employment Type: 3 x full time, continuing (permanent) positions
• Remuneration: Level 7 ($118,483 - $128,233) + 17% superannuation
• Working Arrangements: Flexible/Hybrid working

The Opportunities

Join UNSW’s Research Strategy Office as a Senior Project Officer and contribute to the delivery of strategic research programs and initiatives across the University. Working across the Research Programs, Researcher Pathways and Collaborative Research Development portfolios, you will coordinate projects, develop and monitor project plans, track deliverables, manage risks and issues, prepare high-quality reporting and communications, and support funding and partnership opportunities. You’ll also build effective relationships with Faculties, Strategic Initiatives, Innovation & Industry, researchers and external stakeholders, while helping to ensure projects and funding proposals meet relevant governance and compliance requirements. These roles provide an opportunity for organised, collaborative and proactive project professionals to contribute to UNSW’s research priorities in a complex, purpose-driven environment.

Available Positions

Senior Project Officer – Research Programs (Ref 52798) x 1

Provide dedicated project management, reporting, analytical and communications support across Research Programs portfolios, Faculties, Strategic Initiatives, Innovation & Industry and external stakeholders and coordinate support for management of institutional priorities, partnership opportunities and funding activities.

Senior Project Officer – Collaborative Research Development (Ref 542800) x 2
Support the identification, development and coordination of large-scale, multidisciplinary research collaborations and funding opportunities. Working with Faculties, Strategic Initiatives, Innovation & Industry and external partners, you will coordinate complex activity, build effective partnerships and help translate emerging opportunities into practical, institutionally aligned outcomes.

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We are a large organisation with a diverse and highly talented community doing extraordinary work. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all we do, and this collective approach is what gives our work impact. It is also why UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities in the QS World University Rankings and is a proud member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you’re seeking a career where you can thrive, be challenged and contribute to 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: 

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance while delivering meaningful outcomes
• 17% superannuation contributions, annual leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice option
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
• Affordable on-campus parking

About you

You have a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in research, higher education or government, together with:

• Demonstrated experience coordinating projects, programs or initiatives across a complex organisation.
• Experience developing project plans, objectives and supporting documentation, and monitoring deliverables across the project lifecycle.
• The ability to identify, monitor and help resolve project risks and issues.
• Experience supporting stakeholder engagement and building effective relationships across multiple organisational units and with external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail in reports, communications and other deliverables.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and respond effectively to changing requirements.
• Demonstrated judgement, initiative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Copilot.
• An understanding of the research funding environment and major funding schemes is desirable.
• Commitment to UNSW’s values, policies, governance requirements and health and safety responsibilities.

How to apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position requirements by 11.55pm on Sunday 27 September 2026. As part of your application, you will also be asked to respond to two application questions.

The position descriptions are available on the JOBS@UNSW website.

Pre Employment Checks

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Contact: Shiree Thomas – Talent Acquisition Consultant e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Please note applications sent directly to the contact person will not be accepted

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. 

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