Job Description

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The Rolen

As a Research Operations Assistant, you'll play an important role in supporting the College Research and Innovation portfolio through the coordination of day-to-day operational, administrative and stakeholder engagement activities. Working closely with research leaders, academics and professional staff, you'll help keep a broad range of research activities running smoothly while delivering responsive and high-quality support across the portfolio.

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This is an opportunity to work across a broad range of research activities, supporting governance processes, stakeholder engagement, reporting and operational initiatives that help enable a thriving research environment. Working as part of a team-oriented team, you'll build relationships across the University, provide high-quality support to stakeholders and develop your knowledge of the research sector.

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In this role you will:

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- Liaise with researchers, research leaders, University stakeholders and external partners to facilitate research operational activities.
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- Coordinate the administrative and operational activities of College Research Centres, including reporting, reviews, compliance and governance processes.
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- Support the operation of research committees, advisory groups and working groups through the preparation of agendas, minutes, documentation and action tracking.
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- Assist with the coordination of research funding initiatives, strategic projects and portfolio-wide activities.
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- Maintain accurate records and reporting relating to research centres, funding schemes, partnerships and research initiatives.
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- Coordinate research-related events, engagement activities and review processes across the College.
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- Support portfolio communications, including stakeholder correspondence, shared mailboxes, website updates and information distribution.
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- Contribute to the continuous improvement of research operational processes, systems and service delivery.
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These 2 positions are Full-time 2 year Fixed-term (Contingent) and will be located at the Callaghan Campus (Awabakal land).

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How will you inspire us?n

You will have:

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- Completion of a degree without subsequent relevant experience; or completion of an associate diploma plus at least two years’ work experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
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- Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, research and innovation activities and services within a higher education environment.
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- Demonstrated organisational skills with an elevated level of diligence and the demonstrated ability to use sound judgement and manage competing priorities.
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- Advanced people skills including the ability to contribute positively to a team environment demonstrating clear communication and mutual respect.
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- Excellent administration skills,



including experience working with organisational systems, financial or business processes, and the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of people.
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About our Universityn

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision are our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability.

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About the Unit n

The College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing at the University of Newcastle, strives to be effective by preparing exemplary, career ready health care and health research professionals, and producing world-leading research that builds capacity for excellence in healthcare intervention.

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What we offern

The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 5 + 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience.

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In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

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These include:

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- 17% super and salary packaging.
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- Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
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- Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
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- A range of support and wellbeing programs.
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For more information on benefits and conditions, please follow this link.

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Your next stepsn

Important information before you apply:

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- If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ (or equivalent) to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy from the Related Documents section before commencing your application.
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- Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit.
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Your application must include:

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- Your resume.
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- A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity.
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- A statement addressing each of the essential criteria listed below the ‘how will you inspire us – you will have:’ heading in this advert using an example for each to demonstrate (these may differ slightly from the Position Description).
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Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document. This document should not exceed 3 pages.

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We value diversity and strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are equitable, inclusive, and barrier-free. If you require an alternative pathway to view the Position Description or to submit an application, please reach out to [email protected].

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We also seek to provide a fair chance to all applicants by providing reasonable adjustments where required during the assessment and interview phases of the recruitment process.

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Our assessment processn

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

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- Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
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- Referee checks
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- Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role
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Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

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As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

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The completion and return of the University’s Gender-based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre-employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

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Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance – it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

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Contact Usn

For specific position enquiries, please contact Shirley Savy, Senior Manager, Research and Innovation via email [email protected]

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Having technical difficulties? Please reach out to us: [email protected] Please note, we do not accept email applications.

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Closing date: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT

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We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

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The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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#LI-CJ1

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📌 Research Operations Assistant (New South Wales)
🏢 University of Newcastle
📍 New South Wales