Research Development Specialist (Major Initiatives), UNSW Canberra
Employment type: Fixed-term, full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration: 2 years
Remuneration: Level 8 from $132,445 + leave loading + 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus
About UNSW Canberra
University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.
UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
Why Your Role Matters:
This newly created role will play a central role in enabling UNSW Canberra to originate, develop, and secure major research funding. The position is responsible for creating the conditions under which large-scale, externally funded research initiatives can be successfully conceived, assembled, and delivered. Working closely with senior researchers, Faculty leadership, the UNSW Division of Research & Enterprise, and external partners, the role combines strategic oversight, hands-on bid development, and project management to support the full lifecycle of major proposals: from early-stage concept development and partnership formation, through to submission and initial post-award establishment. A key focus of the role is to strengthen the quality and competitiveness of major bids by shaping compelling narratives, coordinating complex multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that proposals are strategically positioned, partner aligned, and delivered in a timely fashion.
Who You Are (skills and experience):
• Degree in a relevant discipline and extensive experience in research management or bid development.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• High-level project management skills including planning, risk management, and compliance.
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to produce compelling submissions.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.
• Strong knowledge of Australian and international research funding landscapes.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating large, complex research proposals or competitive funding submissions such as complex research bids including ARC Centres of Excellence, Laureate Fellowships, Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), Dept of Education Trailblazer submissions, or similar mission-driven schemes.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.
- Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
- Additional three days leave during December festive period
- Career development opportunities
- Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
- Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
- Free gym access
- UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture.
You can learn more about our Benefits and Culture at Lifestyle & Benefits UNSW
Eligibility:
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Pre-Employment Checks
Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-
• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments
Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.
How to Apply:
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Tuesday 21 July 2026 at 11:30pm, including your CV and a 1–2-page cover letter addressing the required skills and experience outlined in the position description. In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au
Get in Touch:
For role-related queries please contact:
Suzanne Austin - Manager, Strategic Research Engagement
suzanne.austin@unsw.edu.au
For recruitment process-related queries please contact:
Holly Whale – Talent Acquisition Partner
h.whale@unsw.edu.au
Applications cannot be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.
Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW
For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
