Research Office
Full-time, permanent position
Base salary will be in the range $132,647 - $140,276 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 9)
Based at our St. Lucia Campus
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for driving excellence in research administration? The University of Queensland is seeking a Senior Manager (Awards) to lead multiple teams in delivering high-quality, customer- focused post-award research management services. In this role, you will oversee the entire post-award lifecycle of research projects—ensuring compliance, managing complex agreements, liaising with funding providers, and facilitating project variations to support UQ's world-class research community.
As a key leader within the Research Office , you will drive continuous improvement, streamline operational processes, and foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Your expertise in research grant management and commitment to service excellence will help shape the strategic direction of post-award support at UQ.
Key responsibilities will include :Lead and mentor multiple teams to deliver high-quality, customer-focused post-award research management services, ensuring compliance with UQ and funding provider policies.
Oversee the full post-award lifecycle, including agreement preparation, project variations, financial management, and reporting, while providing expert advice on complex contractual matters.
Drive continuous improvement by reviewing and refining operational processes, optimising service delivery, and fostering a culture of excellence within the team.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, collaborating across faculties, institutes, and funding bodies to support UQ's research initiatives.
The Research Office (RO) aims to enhance UQ's research performance and profile by collaborating with faculties, institutes, research teams, and individual researchers to initiate, facilitate, and secure research funding and research agreements to support UQ's agenda and to the mutual needs of its partners. This includes efforts to elevate UQ's research profile, its partnerships and to increase the level, quality, and diversity of research funding.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
17% superannuation contributions
17.5% annual leave loading
Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
UQ Study for Staff
On campus childcare options
Affordable parking (from just $5.75 a day)
Salary packaging options
We're looking for a strategic, solutions-focused leader with a passion for supporting world-class research. You will thrive in a fast-paced, service- driven environment, guiding teams through complex research funding processes while fostering strong partnerships across UQ and beyond.
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
Proven experience in research grant administration and post-award management within a large, complex organisation, preferably in the higher education sector.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor, develop, and manage high-performing teams in a service-driven environment.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to navigate complex environments, influence senior stakeholders, and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with the ability to break down complex challenges, identify solutions, and drive continuous improvement.
The ability to balance multiple priorities, working with accuracy and professionalism to meet tight deadlines in a high-volume environment.
A commitment to innovation and best practice, with a proactive approach to streamlining research administration processes.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre- employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check.
Work Rights:You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Questions?For more information about this opportunity, please contact Kirsten Lawrie, Associate Director (Awards) [email protected] For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You' section
Resume
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.
Applications close Sunday, 23 February 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-47500).