Research Grants and Development Officer

For over 40 years, our shared commitment to curing childhood cancer has united us. Together, we continue to accelerate the answers to make that possible.

To accomplish our vision, we're seeking someone who lives our values: owning and delivering meaningful work, collaborating to drive impact, challenging the status quo to create a better future, and balancing logic with empathy. Let's achieve more, together.

The Research Support Officer provides comprehensive administrative support to the Institute's research activities, with primary focus on grants administration. The role also supports the Senior Research Development Executive with administrative tasks related to researcher career development and impact initiatives.

Working alongside the Senior Research Development Manager and Senior Grants Officer, you will be responsible for day-to-day administration of grant applications across Australian and international funding schemes, whilst also coordinating promotion documentation and impact-related activities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in research support to develop strong administrative skills across the research lifecycle within a mission-driven environment focused on ending childhood cancer.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance and eligibility checks on grant applications, including reviewing application guidelines and assessing researcher eligibility. Perform budget reviews, alignment with funding body rules, and Institute financial policies
• Manage the grants inbox as the first point of contact for researcher enquiries about funding opportunities. Create and maintain comprehensive grant calendars tracking internal and external application deadlines. Assist in the coordination of major grant rounds including to the NHMRC and MRFF
• Prepare institutional support letters and coordinate their review, approval, and signing by senior management. Support post-award grant administration including compliance checking of progress and final reports, liaising with Finance team to obtain financial acquittals, and communicating with UNSW Research Grants and Contracts team
• Prepare grants-related content for weekly communications to researchers
• Provide administrative support for internal and academic promotion processes and conjoint/affiliate appointment applications at UNSW, working under the direction of the Senior Research Development Executive. Support the Senior Research Development Executive with administrative tasks related to the Institute's impact framework, maintaining resources on the team's site, and assisting with collecting impact data
• Contribute to developing templates, guidelines, and streamlined workflows that enhance efficiency across grants administration, promotions, and impact activities. Provide flexible support to the team, including covering colleagues during leave periods

To be successful you will have:

Essential:

• Demonstrated experience in research administration and grants management, preferably in a university or medical research institute setting
• Strong attention to detail , particularly in reviewing compliance requirements, checking budgets, and preparing documentation
• Excellent organisational skills with proven ability to manage multiple competing deadlines and priorities
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with researchers at all career
• Strong numerical skills and experience with budget preparation and review
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Proactive problem-solving approach and commitment to continuous improvement

Highly Desirable:

• Knowledge of Australian research funding landscape and major grant schemes (NHMRC, MRFF, philanthropic schemes)
• Understanding of grant compliance requirements and budget rules
• Experience with academic promotion processes or CV/application preparation
• Familiarity with university research management systems

This role provides an opportunity to:

• Develop strong expertise in grants administration
• Gain experience in supporting researcher career development through promotion processes and impact activities
• Work with leading childhood cancer researchers and contribute to meaningful research out
• comes.
• Develop your skills in research administration within a supportive, collaborative team environment
• Be part of the Children's Cancer Institute's mission to end childhood cancer

Join us to shape a future every child deserves and to find meaning in your own. Because together, we can cure every child of cancer. It's not if, it's when.

Additional information about Children's Cancer Institute can be found on our website at: . We make hiring decisions based on your experience, skills and passion, as well as how you can enhance Children's Cancer Institute and our culture. We embrace diversity and encourage you to advise of any reasonable adjustments you may need during the recruitment process.