Senior Research Officer

• Full-time, Ongoing position at HEW Level 8.
• Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $118,969 – $132,069 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Lead strategic research support that strengthens funding success and research impact.

The Opportunity
The Institute for Culture and Society is seeking a Senior Research Officer to provide high-level leadership and coordination of research support activities across the Institute. This role plays a central part in strengthening research income, compliance and researcher capability, supporting both established and emerging research initiatives.

Working closely with academic and professional staff, you will drive continuous improvement in research administration and systems. You will support the Young and Resilient Research Centre and the Urban Transformations Research Centre, while also contributing to researcher development initiatives across faculties at the University.

Reporting to the Institute Manager, you will provide expert advice on research funding, compliance and strategy. You will also lead and mentor research support staff, ensuring consistent, high-quality services that enable researchers to focus on delivering impactful outcomes.

What Success Looks Like:

• Research grant submissions are well coordinated, compliant and submitted on time.
• Research budgets, contracts and reporting obligations are effectively managed.
• Researchers receive clear, expert advice on funding rules and eligibility.
• Research support processes are continuously improved and embedded.
• Research support staff are effectively led, developed and supported.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• A research degree or equivalent high-level research experience.
• Strong knowledge of the higher education research environment and funding schemes, including experience in the strategic review of proposals in the collaborative research space.
• Demonstrated experience managing research projects and compliance requirements, including experience of drafting research reports and grant applications.
• Highly developed written, verbal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven organisational and project management capability in complex environments.

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 Terence Fairclough, Institute Manager via T.Fairclough@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1175Z. 
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 29 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. 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.