Research Infrastructure Strategist (Digital)

UNSW Employees, Location, Alumni; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible and hybrid working

17% employer superannuation

Additional leave at year-end

Discounts and entitlements

On-campus parking

Job summary

UNSW is seeking a Project Manager to lead the establishment, governance and implementation of shared digital research capabilities. This role will drive university-wide initiatives such as AI Central and UNSW’s partnership with AURIN, shaping governance and investment priorities for delivery across a broad stakeholder network.

The role reports to the Manager, Research Data and Software and works closely with senior leaders across UNSW. Hybrid flexible working is available in Kensington, NSW.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of shared digital research infrastructure and NCRIS priorities.
• Extensive experience leading complex, strategic projects through full lifecycle.
• Experience developing business cases, project plans, governance frameworks and operating models.
• Excellent consultation, influencing and negotiation skills with diverse senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with practical solutions.
• Experience managing project budgets, resources, risks, dependencies and priorities.
• Advanced written and verbal communication with attention to detail.
• Collaborative, proactive and adaptable in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment, governance and implementation of shared digital research capabilities to support UNSW’s priorities.
• Drive major university-wide initiatives including AI Central and AURIN partnerships.
• Shape governance, operating models and investment priorities for delivery approaches.
• Collaborate with senior leaders across UNSW and the national research infrastructure sector.

Skills

Project management

Digital research infra

Governance frameworks

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualification

Job description

• Employment Type: Full time
• Remuneration: $153,933 - $163,338 + 17% super
• Duration: 2-year term contract
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid Flexible Working)

Why Your Role Matters:

NSW’s digital research infrastructure provides the platforms, services and capabilities that enable researchers to undertake innovative, high-impact research.

The Project Manager plays a strategic role within Research Technology Services (ResTech), leading the establishment, governance and implementation of shared digital research capabilities that support UNSW’s long-term research priorities.

You will lead significant university-wide initiatives, including the establishment of AI Central as a research capability and UNSW’s partnership with the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN). Working with senior leaders and stakeholders across UNSW and the national research infrastructure sector, you will shape governance arrangements, operating models, investment priorities and delivery approaches.

The position reports to the Manager, Research Data and Software and works closely with the Executive Director, Research Technology Services and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research Infrastructure.

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:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• 17% employer superannuation contributions.
• Additional leave over the end-of-year university shutdown period.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
• Affordable on-campus parking

You'll bring:

You will have a relevant tertiary qualification and or experience, together with:

• Advanced knowledge of shared digital research infrastructure and service capabilities, including an understanding of current NCRIS programs and priorities.
• Extensive experience leading complex, strategic projects through the full project lifecycle.
• Demonstrated experience developing business cases, project plans, governance frameworks, operating models and high-quality project documentation.
• Excellent consultation, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to build alignment among diverse and senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop practical and sustainable solutions to complex issues.
• Experience managing project budgets, resources, risks, dependencies and competing priorities.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• A collaborative, proactive and adaptable approach, with the judgement and initiative required to operate effectively in a complex environment.

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.

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.