Research Officer

Role Overview

This ongoing full-time role is based at the Parramatta South campus, with flexible working arrangements available. The position sits at HEW Level 6 and is offered at an annual salary of $97,693 to $104,713, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading.

The Research Officer will support the Institute for Culture & Society by handling end-to-end research administration across both pre-award and post-award stages. The role is centred on keeping research projects compliant, properly documented, financially controlled, and aligned with funder rules and university policy.

Key Duties

You will coordinate the administrative setup of projects, support researchers with compliant project management practices, and help ensure that internal processes are followed correctly from start to finish. This includes organising project establishment meetings, assisting with post-award meetings, supporting project subcontracts, and processing approvals.

The role also covers the administration of project risk assessments, service contracts, and Casual Work Orders, together with maintaining accurate records and effective document control.

In addition, you will provide hands-on financial support such as preparing and monitoring budgets, producing financial reports, and advising on monthly budget balance available reports. You will raise invoices and purchase orders, assist Chief Investigators in maintaining budget control, and support grant application preparation through budget development and coordination of approvals.

Regular liaison will be required with internal teams, including Finance and Research Services, as well as with funding bodies and suppliers. Accuracy, compliance, and process improvement are key parts of the role.

What Success Looks Like

• Research projects are set up quickly and with the correct administrative controls in place.
• Project documentation remains complete, accurate, and compliant with university expectations.
• Budgets, invoices, purchase orders, and Non-Salary Item approvals are handled correctly and on schedule.
• Researchers receive practical guidance on budgeting, procedures, policy, and reporting obligations.
• Grant submissions and budget proposals benefit from timely, well-coordinated support.

About You

To be effective in this role, you should hold a relevant research degree and bring experience in research support and project financial administration, or have an equivalent mix of education and experience.

You will ideally have worked in a research administration setting and understand the importance of compliance, documentation, and smooth project delivery. Strong computer skills are essential, including confidence with spreadsheets, document preparation tools, data systems, CMS platforms, and research-related applications.

You should also be able to interpret information, monitor budgets and reporting obligations, and turn data into clear and accurate reports. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are needed to work effectively with researchers, professional staff, and external stakeholders. ARMS accreditation, or progress toward it, is considered an advantage.

Benefits

• Access to selected banking partner offers, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated vehicle leasing.
• Free employee assistance support, an annual flu vaccination, Fitness Passport eligibility, and discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare through long day care and early learning services at Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses, with discounted fees and salary packaging potentially available subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

For enquiries about the role, contact Daniel Carrington, Senior Research Officer, at D.Carrington@westernsydney.edu.au and include reference code REF1403D.

The closing date is 11:59pm on Sunday, 21 June 2026.

Applicants must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at the time of application.

Only applications submitted through the university’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of the application, candidates will need to answer screening questions that address the key qualifications, experience, and skills for the role.

Belonging and Equal Opportunity

The university is committed to substantive equality under its Equal Opportunity Policy and encourages applications from Indigenous Australians, people of all gender identities and expressions, people with disability, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About the University

By joining Western Sydney University, you become part of a community focused on student success, research impact, and stronger communities. The institution describes itself as bold, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful, with a mission to shape the future of education and improve lives.

The university was established in 1989 by bringing together several higher education institutions across the region. It has grown into a world-class university with a strong focus on innovation, research excellence, accessibility, equity, and social justice.