Research Grants Officer

** The University of Melbourne
** We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via
** Your next career opportunity
** This is an exceptional opportunity to join a supportive, high-performing team where your skills directly empower pioneering academic research.  As a Research Grants Officer, you'll 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 the 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. If you value a dynamic environment where your precision, clear communication, and commitment to Service Excellence directly contribute to research success, this role is for you. Join us to become an indispensable partner in the University's research mission.
** Your responsibilities will include**
* ** Contract Interpretation and Researcher Partnership:**  + Proactively review and interpret contractual terms from external parties, acting as the academic's
** trusted advisor
** by
** translating complex legal language
** into clear, practical guidance.  + Skilfully negotiate contractual variations (e.g., related to IP or reporting) to protect the University's interests while fostering productive external relationships.
* ** Financial and Compliance Anchoring:**  + Review and 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 for funding bodies and internal stakeholders.
* ** Seamless Administrative Execution:**  + Manage the 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:**  + Commit to a culture of
** Service Excellence
** by proactively managing workload and communicating clearly with researchers about risk, progress, and upcoming compliance milestones.
** You may be a great fit if
** You are an organised and proactive professional with a passion for delivering exceptional service, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, flexible environment while effectively managing stakeholder relationships.
** You may also:
*** Have a tertiary qualification with relevant experience in research administration.
* Possess excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to triage tasks effectively
* Demonstrate strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
* Show initiative and sound judgement in independent work.
* Track record of showing good judgement, initiative and ability to undertake tasks with minimum supervision, seeking advice and escalating issues when required
* Positively influence team collaboration and knowledge sharing within a supportive, high-volume environment.
* Have experience working in a university setting (desirable).
* Experience in reviewing and negotiating research contract terms with external party (desirable)
** What we offer you!
** We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:
* Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
* Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance
* Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance
* Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program For more information check out  page!
** Your new team –*
* ** Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC)
** Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) is a specialist team dedicated to enabling the University's research and innovation mission working closely with our academic and professional colleagues, industry partners, funding, and government agencies.
** Be Yourself
** 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, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities. The University of Melbourne is committed to fostering a barrier-free and inclusive recruitment process.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates throughout the application and interview stages, including accessible document formats and alternative application methods.  To…