The Opportunity
The School of Chemical Engineering, in the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW, is seeking a Research Hub Business Manager to play a key role in supporting the ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability (PVRS). This position will lead the operational, strategic and administrative management of the Hub, working closely with the Hub Director and senior leadership team to ensure the successful delivery of its research agenda. The role offers an exciting opportunity to engage with industry partners, government stakeholders and leading researchers to drive impactful outcomes in sustainable energy and resource recovery.
This role reports to the Hub Director and has no direct reports.
- Salary, Broadbanded 8/9
- Level 8: Starting at $127,351 per annum + 17% superannuation
- Level 9: Starting at $148,012 per annum + 17% superannuation
- Full time
- Fixed term – 12 months
- Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
- Flexible work options
About UNSW
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
The School of Chemical Engineering that is well known in the industry as a top provider of quality education and cutting-edge research. We’re ranked 13th in the world and 1st in Australia by the NTU Ranking of Scientific Papers. Our aim is to deliver the best we possibly can to the future of Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry and Food Science and Technology. Our passionate academics are eager to share their vast knowledge and experience with graduate students and we’re at the forefront of innovation and emerging technologies through several international research groups and centres. For further information about our school go to - https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/our-schools/chemical-engineering
The ARC Research Hub for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling and Sustainability (PVRS) brings together leading researchers, industry partners and government stakeholders to address the growing challenge of end-of-life solar panels. The Hub focuses on developing innovative technologies and processes to recover valuable materials from photovoltaic systems, reduce environmental impact, and support a circular economy for solar energy. Through interdisciplinary research and strong industry collaboration, PVRS aims to enhance the sustainability of Australia’s rapidly expanding solar sector while creating new economic opportunities in recycling and resource recovery. More information can be found here: https://research.unsw.edu.au/projects/arc-research-hub-photovoltaic-solar-panel-recycling-and-sustainability
Skills and Experience
Level 8
- A relevant degree, with substantial knowledge and experience gained through a combination of appropriate education, training and/or professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience providing high-level executive support to senior management within a large and complex organisation.
- Proven project management capability, including the ability to proactively manage multiple projects under limited supervision.
- Highly developed ability to manage workflow effectively in a dynamic and fast-changing environment, supported by strong time management, problem-solving and organisational skills.
- Demonstrated success in developing and maintaining partnerships with industry and research institutes, and in facilitating effective industry engagement.
- Proven skills in strategic, financial and resource planning and analysis at both strategic and operational levels.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated strengths in negotiation and consultation, and the ability to exercise initiative, tact and discretion when dealing with highly sensitive and confidential matters.
- Strong initiative, with the capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities, with a demonstrated commitment to attending and complying with relevant health and safety training requirements.
Level 9 (in addition to the requirements for Level 8)
- Extensive management expertise, supported by substantial experience in program management or other specialist or senior professional roles.
- Proven leadership capability, with significant experience working in a research environment and a strong understanding of research funding sources, funding schemes and grants, as well as the research regulatory and policy framework.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse, interpret and integrate complex data to provide high-level strategic advice, direction and analysis to senior management.
- Proven experience contributing significant input into strategic and operational planning for research activities, including the development of strategic position papers and policy documentation.
- Extensive understanding of ARC funding rules, and related industry and university policies and procedures concerning the management of research and research finance.
- Strong commitment to continuous improvement and effective problem-solving in complex environments, with the ability to provide sound strategic advice and to develop and implement operational plans, policies and systems aligned with organisational strategic objectives.
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:
- 17% Superannuation and leave loading
- Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
- Access to lifelong learning and career development
More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.
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.
To Apply:
Please click the apply now button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.
Applicants must hold valid Australian working rights and be available to work on‑site in Kensington on a regular basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.
Contact:
For role-specific inquiries, please contact Prof Yansong Shen (Hub Director)
E: ys.shen@unsw.edu.au
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner)
E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Thursday 2 April 2026
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
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