Research Contracts & Administration Officer

• Full time, 10 month, fixed term opportunity

• Play a central role in enabling major research funding across the University

• Base Salary $117,133 - $127,610 (HEO7) + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

This role provides end‑to‑end administration of research funding agreements within a dynamic and collaborative research services environment. You will support the establishment, negotiation, execution, and ongoing management of contracts, grants, tenders, and fellowships. Your work ensures agreements progress efficiently and accurately, enabling researchers to deliver high‑impact research across the University.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work closely with researchers, funding providers, Research Contracts staff, and internal stakeholders across the University

• manage end‑to‑end administration of research contracts, grants, tenders, fellowships, and variations

• negotiate agreements with external funding agencies and coordinate award acceptance and contract establishment

• maintain accurate agreement data and ensure timely upload of completed or amended documents

• liaise with the Commercialisation team to ensure intellectual property and due‑diligence requirements are met

• collaborate across Research Operations to improve administrative processes and support strategic initiatives.

About you

• demonstrated experience administering complex grant funding schemes, including contracts, tenders, fellowships, and variations in high‑volume environments

• knowledge of national and international research funding processes and policies

• ability to plan, prioritise, and organise workload, and interpret policy to provide informed advice

• demonstrated ability to work independently under broad direction and take initiative

• strong analytical, problem‑solving, negotiation, and written communication capabilities

• bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Turle, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

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