Senior Grants Officer (Post-Award)

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:

1. High-level problem-solving, stakeholder engagement and organisational skills.
2. Demonstrated experience in critically reviewing complex research funding rules and regulations and providing clear, constructive and strategic advice.
3. Demonstrated capacity to lead and work within a team and across teams to achieve organisational goals in a high-volume environment of competing demands.
4. 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.

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

Your next steps

Important information before you apply:

• If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
• Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.

Your application must include:

• Your resume.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
• A statement addressing each of the essential criteria listed below the ‘how will you inspire us – you will have:’ heading in this advert using an example for each to demonstrate (these may differ slightly from the Position Description).

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to employment@newcastle.edu.au

We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

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 grants-director@newcastle.edu.au

Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@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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