Research Operations Assistant

University of Newcastle; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Extra holidays

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The University of Newcastle invites applications for two full-time, two-year fixed-term roles: Research Operations Assistant within the College Research and Innovation portfolio at Callaghan Campus. You’ll coordinate day-to-day operations, governance, reporting and stakeholder engagement to keep a broad research program running smoothly.

You’ll work with researchers, academic and professional staff, build relationships across the University, and contribute to continuous process improvements in

Qualifications

• Completion of a degree without subsequent relevant experience; or completion of an associate diploma plus at least two years’ work experience; or an equivalent combination.
• Knowledge of or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of research and innovation activities in a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated ability to organise, prioritise and manage multiple tasks with sound judgement.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the administrative and operational activities of College Research Centres, including reporting, reviews, compliance and governance processes.
• Liaise with researchers, research leaders, University stakeholders and external partners to facilitate research operational activities.
• Assist with coordination of research funding initiatives, strategic projects and portfolio-wide activities.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting relating to research centres, funding schemes, partnerships and initiatives.
• Coordinate research-related events, engagement activities and review processes across the College.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Research administration

Governance awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree or associate diploma

Job description

The Role

As a Research Operations Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting the College Research and Innovation portfolio through the coordination of day-to-day operational, administrative and stakeholder engagement activities. Working closely with research leaders, academics and professional staff, you'll help keep a broad range of research activities running smoothly while delivering responsive and high-quality support across the portfolio.

This is an opportunity to work across a broad range of research activities, supporting governance processes, stakeholder engagement, reporting and operational initiatives that help enable a thriving research environment. Working as part of a collaborative team, you'll build relationships across the University, provide high-quality support to stakeholders and develop your knowledge of the research sector.

In this role you will:

• Liaise with researchers, research leaders, University stakeholders and external partners to facilitate research operational activities.
• Coordinate the administrative and operational activities of College Research Centres, including reporting, reviews, compliance and governance processes.
• Support the operation of research committees, advisory groups and working groups through the preparation of agendas, minutes, documentation and action tracking.
• Assist with the coordination of research funding initiatives, strategic projects and portfolio-wide activities.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting relating to research centres, funding schemes, partnerships and research initiatives.
• Coordinate research-related events, engagement activities and review processes across the College.
• Support portfolio communications, including stakeholder correspondence, shared mailboxes, website updates and information distribution.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research operational processes, systems and service delivery.

These 2 positions are Full-time 2 year Fixed-term (Contingent) and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• Completion of a degree without subsequent relevant experience; or completion of an associate diploma plus at least two years’ work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, research and innovation activities and services within a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated organisational skills with an elevated level of diligence and the demonstrated ability to use sound judgement and manage competing priorities.
• Advanced people skills including the ability to contribute positively to a team environment demonstrating clear communication and mutual respect.
• Excellent administration skills, including experience working with organisational systems, financial or business processes, and the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of people.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

About the Unit

The College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing at the University of Newcastle, strives to be effective by preparing exemplary, career ready health care and health research professionals, and producing world-leading research that builds capacity for excellence in healthcare intervention.

What we offer

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 5 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience.

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• 17% super and salary packaging.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• A range of support and wellbeing programs.

For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

Our assessment process

Typical candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an 'in person' interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

The completion and return of the University's Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

Contact Us

For specific position enquiries, please contact Shirley Savy, Senior Manager, Research and Innovation via email [e-mail]

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: [e-mail] Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date:Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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