Research Officer

• ​​​​​​Full-time, fixed term position until 31 December 2028
• Based at Western’s Parramatta South campus, with flexible working arrangements
• Salary: HEW Level 6 $97,693 – $104,713 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading

Support the School of Arts on research projects focusing on journalism and media practices in the Global South.

The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Research Officer to support School of Arts research projects focused on journalism and media practices in the Global South, including policy and pedagogical approaches to multi-perspectival communication.

The Research Officer will assist with literature reviews, data collection, data entry, basic data analysis, and the preparation of research materials. The role involves supporting the research team in various administrative and research related tasks to ensure the smooth progress of projects. The position also provides end-to-end research administration across both pre-award and post-award activities, including coordinating project set-up, supporting compliant project management practices, and ensuring alignment with funder guidelines and University policy.

The Research Officer will deliver practical financial administration support, including budgeting, financial reporting, and advising on monthly project budget balances. This includes raising invoices and purchase orders, supporting Chief Investigators to maintain budget oversight, and contributing to grant application preparation through budget development and coordination of approvals. The role requires effective stakeholder engagement across the Faculty, Finance and Research Services, funding bodies, and suppliers, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and continuous process improvement.

What Success Looks Like:

• Demonstrating autonomy with guidance from the Dean, School of Arts.
• Research projects are established efficiently with compliant administration in place.
• Project records are accurate, complete, and meet University requirements.
• Budgets, invoices, purchase orders, and Non-Salary Item (NSI) approvals are processed accurately and on time.
• Researchers receive timely, accurate advice on budgeting, policy, procedures, and reporting obligations.
• Grant applications and budget proposals are supported through coordinated, high-quality inputs.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• You hold a relevant research degree, with experience supporting research and project financial administration (or have an equivalent combination of experience).
• You’ve worked in a research administration environment and understand what it takes to keep projects compliant, well-documented and running smoothly.
• You’re confident with systems and digital tools, and bring high-level computer skills across spreadsheets, document tools, data platforms, CMS and research-related applications.
• You can analyse information, track budgets and reporting requirements, and turn data into clear, accurate reports.
• You communicate clearly and build strong working relationships with researchers, professional staff and external stakeholders.
• Holding, or working towards an ARMS accreditation is desirable.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Jessica Simpson, Research Operations Manager via Jessica.Simpson@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code
  REF1523D in your email.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm Sunday 19th July 2026.
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

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

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.

All ongoing and fixed term employees seeking to apply for this position as a secondment must have completed a minimum of 12 months’ full-time continuous service to be eligible to apply for this role, as per Part D of the Recruitment and Selection Policy.