Role Overview

As a Research Grants Officer, you will be the Compliance and Contract Anchor for our academics, ensuring their world‑class projects have a solid, compliant, and well‑managed foundation. This role gives you a rare chance to develop a holistic expertise that spans the entire post‑award lifecycle: from ensuring accurate budget alignment and maintaining critical data integrity in our systems, to confidently interpreting and negotiating complex contract terms with external funders.

Pay & Benefits

Base pay range : A$100,847.00/yr – A$109,163.00/yr (plus 17% super). Benefits include salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

Responsibilities

- Contract Interpretation and Researcher Partnership
- Review and interpret contractual terms from external parties, translating complex legal language into clear, practical guidance.
- Negotiate contractual variations (e.g., IP or reporting) to protect the University's interests while fostering productive external relationships.

- Financial and Compliance Anchoring

- Ensure all research project budgets align accurately with funder guidelines and University financial requirements.
- Maintain the highest standards of data entry and integrity within research management systems, ensuring accurate compliance reporting.

- Seamless Administrative Execution

- Manage efficient and timely execution of research contracts, variations, and required reporting documents, serving as the central coordinator for all high‑volume post‑award administrative needs.

- Upholding Service Excellence

- Proactively manage workload and communicate clearly with researchers about risk, progress, and upcoming compliance milestones.

Qualifications and Fit





- You are an organised and proactive professional with a passion for delivering exceptional service, thriving in a fast‑paced, flexible environment while effectively managing stakeholder relationships.
- Have a tertiary qualification and relevant experience in research administration.
- Possess excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to triage tasks effectively.
- Demonstrate strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Show initiative and sound judgement in independent work, seeking advice and escalating issues when required.
- Track record of good judgement, initiative, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Positive influence on team collaboration and knowledge sharing in a high‑volume environment.
- Experience working in a university setting is desirable.
- Experience reviewing and negotiating research contract terms with external parties is desirable.

Benefits

- Supportive versatile work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well‑being.
- Progressive leave provisions to empower work‑life balance.
- Salary packaging and access to discounted services including Bupa health insurance.
- Health and well‑being services including an Employee Assistance Programme.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child‑safe organisation. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued and respected.

Visa and Work Rights

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Current valid work rights for Australia are required.

Application Process

- Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience and how they meet the selection criteria.

Applications close: 25 January 2026 – 11:55 PM (AEDT).

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📌 Research Grants Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 University Of Melbourne
📍 Melbourne