Research Officer

• Fixed term position to 10 December 2028 HEW Level 6.
• Kingswood campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $97,693 – $104,713 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading. 

Help deliver evidence that drives social change and improves equity across communities.

The Opportunity

The Research Officer will work predominantly on the Challenging Racism Project (CRP). The Research Officer is responsible for assisting with research development through project management, independent research, gathering research materials and data, publications, data entry and analysis, preparation of reports for specific research projects, and preparing and tracking budgets.

The Research Officer will be responsible for assisting with the preparation of grant applications and tenders. The incumbent will also be required to assist in maintaining relationships with research partners.

What Success Looks Like:

• Effective coordination and oversight of research project activities, ensuring milestones, timelines and budgets are consistently met to a high standard
• Strong, positive relationships built with research partners, academics, students and stakeholders, representing the Challenging Racism Project professionally across internal and external forums
• Production of high‑quality research outputs, including data analysis, literature reviews, ethics applications, grant submissions and research reports
• Accurate project documentation, records and data storage maintained in line with University policies and NSW legislation
• Demonstrated strong organisational and project management capability in  coordination of meetings, leadership and support for Research Assistants and HDRs
• Raising the profile, visibility and impact of the Challenging Racism Project through high‑quality communications, presentations and active stakeholder engagement.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant Social or Behavioural Sciences discipline, and experience working in a higher education research setting.
• Demonstrated research experience in race and ethnic studies, and a demonstrated commitment to, and interest in, anti-racism, multiculturalism and equal employment opportunity.
• Expertise with a range of social science methodologies, and the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ability to conduct literature reviews, write research reports and to prepare ethics and funding applications.
• Well-developed written communication skills encompassing the ability to draft, proof-read and provide editorial advice on scholarly publications.
• Capacity to assist in complex project management, excellent organisational, administrative and time management skills, including the capacity to pay attention to detail, multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Highly developed oral and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to deal with a wide range of people and interests, and to work as a member of a team or team leader.
• Ability to undertake relationship management with partners in the higher education, industry, government and not-for-profit sectors.
• Ability to use advanced databases and information systems, as well as the ability to research topics online and to learn and apply new technologies to support project delivery.

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

• Fitness Passport: Access hundreds of gyms and pools across the state through salary-packaging options.
• Onsite Childcare: Convenient facilities with exclusive staff discounts and salary packaging options.
• Financial Benefits: Salary sacrifice options for onsite parking and novated motor vehicle leasing,
• Holistic Support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) along with discounted retail and private health cover.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Professor Kevin Dunn, Executive Dean, SABEL via SABEL.ea @westernsydney.edu.au - Please include the job reference code REF1118C 
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Monday 6 April 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.

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.