Research Support Lead

• Full time fixed term until 30/06/2027
• Opportunity to provide operational support that enhances research activities and the profile of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney
• Base Salary $117,133 - $127,610 p.a. + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney leads the way in 21st century humanities and social sciences, and was recently ranked 1st in Arts and Humanities in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Our mission is to solve pressing global challenges, and we are driven by academic rigour, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to social inclusion. The faculty is comprised of six schools with over five hundred ongoing and fixed term academics. Each school has a dedicated research support officer, and the faculty maintains a central Research Support team and Research Education Support team. This role is for a Research Support Lead to join the central Research Support team.

As a Research Support Lead, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating administrative and operational support to enhance the Faculty's research activities and profile. In this role, you'll orchestrate the seamless execution of post-award research activities, manage low-risk ethics, and oversee internal and external initiatives that amplify our Faculty's strategic research priorities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• collaborate closely with stakeholders, such as HR, Finance, and Ethics, to facilitate the establishment and ongoing monitoring of awarded research grants
• lead the administration of internal Faculty schemes that support research, ensuring effective management of application, awarding, and reporting processes
• work closely in implementing a structured, faculty-wide development pathway for EMCRs (CE28 Faculty Initiative)
• assist in implementing a Research impact and translation uplift to strengthen Category 2-3 funding schemes (CE28 Faculty Initiative)
• oversee the Faculty Low-Risk Human Research Ethics Subcommittee, ensuring compliance, providing guidance to researchers, and continuously improving processes
• build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across the University, engaging with portfolios and PSUs for advice and support
• undertake ad hoc projects and activities as required within the team.

About you

If you're enthusiastic about supporting researchers, thrive in post-award grant management, and have a passion for social sciences, this opportunity is perfect for you.

• experience in a tertiary research-intensive environment
• extensive operational and administrative experience with a commitment to continuous improvement
• working knowledge of University policies and procedures in a tertiary environment
• strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• client-focused, building partnerships with the Research Support Team and relevant entities
• effective time and workload management, prioritising and multitasking adeptly
• proficient in University software (IRMA, Concur, Workday) and Office 365.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply.

Pre-employment checks and declarations 

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University.  Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. 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 LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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 Rae Hao, 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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