Senior Grants Officer (Post-Award)

Work Initiatives; Maitland; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday leave

Health discounts

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The University of Newcastle invites applications for the Senior Grants Officer (Post-Award) role to guide and support research activities through comprehensive grant services. You will work with researchers, Colleges and external stakeholders to ensure compliant establishment, management and reporting of research funding.

Based at the Callaghan Campus, this full-time, 2-year fixed-term HEW 7 position offers strategic, high-level advisory responsibilities and opportunities to influence research

Qualifications

• Experience with research grant establishment and post-award administration.
• Knowledge of research funding rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Be a principal contact and subject matter expert for matters relating to research grant establishment, post-award administration and research funding compliance.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on research agreements, contractual obligations, project variations, extensions and grant management requirements.
• Prepare, review and negotiate research agreements, translating complex contractual and funding requirements into practical advice for researchers and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic research management support through the delivery of high-level, client-focused services across the University.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with researchers, funding bodies, collaborative partners and internal stakeholders to support the successful management of research funding.

Job description

As the Senior Grants Officer (Post-Award), you will provide high level guidance and administrative support for the University's research activities through a portfolio of research grant services. You will work closely with researchers, Colleges and external stakeholders to support the establishment, management and reporting of research funding, ensuring compliance with funding agreements, contractual obligations, funding body requirements and University policies. You will provide trusted advice on complex research funding matters, applying sound judgement to interpret funding and contractual requirements and translate them into practical guidance that supports successful research outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Be a principal contact and subject matter expert for matters relating to research grant establishment, post-award administration and research funding compliance.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on research agreements, contractual obligations, project variations, extensions and grant management requirements.
• Prepare, review and negotiate research agreements, translating complex contractual and funding requirements into practical advice for researchers and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic research management support through the delivery of high-level, client-focused services across the University.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with researchers, funding bodies, collaborative partners and internal stakeholders to support the successful management of research funding.

This full-time, 2-year fixed-term HEW 7 position is based at the NIER Precinct, Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

The Role

As the Senior Grants Officer (Post-Award), you will provide high level guidance and administrative support for the University's research activities through a portfolio of research grant services. You will work closely with researchers, Colleges and external stakeholders to support the establishment, management and reporting of research funding, ensuring compliance with funding agreements, contractual obligations, funding body requirements and University policies. You will provide trusted advice on complex research funding matters, applying sound judgement to interpret funding and contractual requirements and translate them into practical guidance that supports successful research outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Be a principal contact and subject matter expert for matters relating to research grant establishment, post-award administration and research funding compliance.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on research agreements, contractual obligations, project variations, extensions and grant management requirements.
• Prepare, review and negotiate research agreements, translating complex contractual and funding requirements into practical advice for researchers and stakeholders.
• Provide strategic research management support through the delivery of high-level, client-focused services across the University.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with researchers, funding bodies, collaborative partners and internal stakeholders to support the successful management of research funding.

This full-time, 2-year fixed-term HEW 7 position is based at the NIER Precinct, Callaghan Campus (Awabakal and Worimi land).

How will you inspire us?

You will have:

• High-level problem-solving, stakeholder engagement and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated experience in critically reviewing complex research funding rules and regulations and providing clear, constructive and strategic advice.
• Demonstrated capacity to lead and work within a team and across teams to achieve organisational goals in a high-volume environment of competing demands.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement as the basis for service delivery.

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 Research Grants Office supports and facilitates the University’s research activities through best practice advice and high-quality support to the University’s research community in relation to securing research funding and the management of research funds.

What we offer

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:

• Remuneration of Higher Education Worker (HEW) Level 7 ($107,268 - $120,677) + 17% superannuation, commensurate with skills and experience.
• 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.

Our assessment process

Typically 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 email ••••@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: ••••@newcastle.edu.au

Please note, we do not accept email applications.

Closing date:Monday, 26 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do.

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.

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