Research Systems Specialist

• 12-Month Fixed Term Opportunity
• Drive improvements to enterprise research systems
• On-campus role with flexible work arrangements

Are you an experienced enterprise systems specialist looking to make a meaningful impact? Do you want to contribute to key university priorities while developing deep expertise in research systems? The Strategy, Planning and Performance (SPP) team at the University of Newcastle is seeking a Research Systems Specialist to support a diverse range of initiatives across the University.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in enhancing systems, supporting users, and driving value through data and technology in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

The role

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Research Systems Specialist to support the delivery and ongoing optimisation of our research systems. In this role, you will provide user support and system troubleshooting, ensuring reliable system performance. You will play a key role in coordinating system upgrades, conducting user acceptance testing, and working closely with central IT and external vendors to deliver patches and enhancements. You will also be responsible for managing user access, maintaining system databases, and ensuring high data quality and integrity to support accurate reporting and decision-making. Additionally, you will act as a data governance subject matter expert, providing guidance to stakeholders and supporting data access decisions for reporting and integrations.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to high-impact systems and data-driven outcomes in a collaborative and evolving environment.

What you’ll do:

• Administer research management systems, ensuring they are effectively maintained, adapted, and continuously improved.
• Plan and implement system enhancements and upgrades as required.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into clear, fit-for-purpose system requirements.
• Maintain research system databases, ensuring data quality and accuracy to support reporting and integration needs.
• Enable high-quality business reporting through well-governed, reliable data.
• Manage and resolve system-related service requests, keeping stakeholders informed of progress and outcomes.
• Design and enhance smart application forms integrated with research systems to improve user experience.
• Gather integration requirements from business units and collaborate closely with the central IT team to deliver successful integration solutions.

This is a full-time position fixed term for up to 1 year and located onsite at Callaghan Campus. 

About you

You are a proactive, consultative systems analyst or specialist who thrives on working across diverse initiatives and stakeholder groups. You bring:

• Proven experience in enterprise-level system administration within digital, systems, or process improvement environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate complex business needs into clear, actionable outcomes
• A user-centred mindset with a focus on enhancing experience and service delivery
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills
• The ability to adapt quickly and work effectively across multiple projects and competing priorities
• Experience with Office 365, Power Apps, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, and proficiency in Python, PySpark, SQL, or similar programming languages (desirable)
• Experience in higher education, large and complex organisations, or regulated environments is highly regarded, but not essential

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 and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

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: 

• Attractive remuneration package and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy)
• 17% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

If you are looking to broaden your experience, work on meaningful initiatives, and make a tangible difference, we encourage you to apply

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A statement addressing the Essential Criteria listed in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact name Neil Singh (02) 4921 5031 or via email neil.singh@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Sunday 9th August 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST

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.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and barrier-free recruitment process. If you require an alternative way to access the Position Description or submit your application, please contact employment@newcastle.edu.au.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the assessment and interview process to support all applicants to participate fully.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.