Research Contracts & Administration Officer

University Of Sydney; New South Wales; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney is seeking a Research Contracts & Administration Officer to support end-to-end management of research funding agreements in a dynamic environment. The role is based in Sydney, NSW, AU and supports the establishment, negotiation, execution and ongoing management of contracts, grants, tenders and fellowships, enabling researchers to deliver high-impact work.

This full-time, 10-month fixed-term appointment offers a competitive base salary and a clear path to broader

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience administering complex grant funding schemes in high-volume environments.
• Knowledge of national and international research funding processes and policies.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload and interpret policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide end-to-end administration of research contracts, grants, tenders and fellowships.
• Negotiate agreements with external funding agencies and coordinate award acceptance and contract establishment.
• Maintain accurate agreement data and timely upload of documents.
• Collaborate with the Commercialisation team on IP and due-diligence requirements.
• Improve administrative processes across Research Operations.

Skills

Grant administration

Policy interpretation

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Research Contracts & Administration Officer University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, AU

Job Description

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.

Key responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Applications Close Thursday 27 August 2026 11:59 PM

Remote