Senior Research Program Coordinator

• Full-time, Fixed-Term position until 31 March 2028.
• Based at Hawkesbury campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: HEW Level 7 $107,053 – $115,469 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Coordinate external research partnerships and funding activity for the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment.

The Opportunity
You will cultivate and manage external research partnerships for the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, working with government, industry and community partners to support Institute-led research nationally and internationally. You will plan and coordinate partner engagement, including meetings, site visits and stakeholder briefings, and maintain clear two-way communication that supports collaboration and knowledge transfer. You will also liaise with SAO, Services & Operations to promote partnership activities through appropriate channels, including social media.

You will be the administration point of contact for new funding applications and related enquiries. This includes interpreting funding rules and guidelines, supporting the development of business cases, providing feedback on written applications, and preparing accurate research budgets that align with funding agreements. You will support researchers and Institute leadership to progress submissions efficiently, bringing attention to detail and a disciplined approach to deadlines and compliance expectations.

You will support the development of strategic research programs aligned to Institute priorities across horticulture, agriculture, forestry, ecology and environment. You will regularly review researcher portals such as Research Professional and Grant Connect, sharing timely reminders about internal deadlines and emerging opportunities with Institute and school-based collaborators. You will coordinate the Industry internship program with Hort Innovation, build and maintain a strong professional network across the University and externally, and represent the Institute at relevant industry conferences. You will manage competing priorities across multiple stakeholder groups while maintaining service quality and delivering timely outcomes.

What Success Looks Like:

• Research partnerships are actively managed, with effective engagement and follow-through.
• Funding applications are supported with compliant advice, clear business cases and accurate budgets.
• Strategic research programs progress in line with Institute priorities and agreed timelines.
• Funding opportunities and deadlines are tracked and communicated through researcher portals.
• The Industry internship program with Hort Innovation is delivered smoothly and to schedule..

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• You hold a degree in a relevant discipline (horticulture, agriculture, or environment science), along with equivalent experience in research administration.
• You have experience managing partnerships and stakeholder engagement, ideally within a research or higher education environment.
• You bring strong project management capability, including planning and budget management in line with funding agreements.
• You have supported research project development in an advisory capacity, including both pre- and post-award grant support.
• You demonstrate high-level written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and work to tight deadlines.

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 Dr Jasmine Grinyer, Institute Manager via J.Grinyer@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1422X.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Tuesday 23 June 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.