Senior Awards Officer

The Research Office plays a pivotal role in supporting UQ's world-class research enterprise, partnering with researchers, faculties and professional teams to secure, establish and manage research funding that drives innovation and global impact.

As a Senior Awards Officer, you will provide specialist administrative and advisory support across the post-award lifecycle of UQ’s research grants. Working in a fast paced and high volume environment, you will undertake detailed, hands on administration while managing more complex contractual, compliance and funding matters.

A significant component of your day will involve establishing and managing research projects, coordinating grant documentation and agreements, processing project variations, monitoring reporting obligations, maintaining accurate records and progressing post-award workflow activities. Working closely with researchers, funding providers and professional staff across UQ, you will balance accuracy, responsiveness and sound judgement to support the timely activation and effective management of research projects.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing a high volume of post-award administrative activities, including grant agreement processing, project establishment, project variations, reporting requirements, records management and workflow coordination.

• Preparing, reviewing, negotiating and coordinating research funding agreements and supporting documentation in accordance with University policies, procedures, risk requirements and funding provider conditions.

• Monitoring project milestones, contractual obligations and compliance requirements, following up outstanding information and ensuring records and systems remain accurate and current.

• Providing authoritative advice and resolving complex research funding, contractual and compliance matters through detailed analysis, sound judgement and practical problem solving.

• Liaising with researchers, funding providers and internal stakeholders to obtain documentation, progress matters and support timely research project activation and delivery.

• Mentoring and guiding team members, contributing to process improvement initiatives, policy and governance activities, quality assurance and cross functional projects.

Please note restricted leave periods, intercampus travel and work outside standard hours during peak periods may be required.

You are a highly organised and experienced research administration professional who is comfortable combining detailed administrative delivery with specialist advice and complex problem solving. You can maintain accuracy across a high volume of documentation and workflows, manage competing priorities and build productive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

You will demonstrate:

• Relevant qualifications and considerable professional experience in research administration, grants administration, contract administration, compliance, governance or a related field, ideally gained within a higher education, research, government or similarly complex regulatory environment.

• Demonstrated experience managing the administration of research funding or similarly complex programs, including documentation, agreements, project establishment, variations, reporting, records and compliance workflows.

• Strong knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, funding rules and contractual requirements, with the ability to interpret complex information and provide clear, authoritative advice.

• Excellent organisational, analytical and problem solving skills, with demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to manage high volumes of work and competing deadlines.

• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, together with experience supporting or mentoring team members and contributing to service and process improvements.

• Demonstrated project management capabilities, including the ability to manage competing priorities, exercise initiative and deliver outcomes within complex administrative environments.

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside visionary and inquisitive minds from across the globe, united by a shared purpose to create meaningful change. At UQ, we are ambitious, collaborative and committed to excellence. You'll work alongside inquisitive and purpose-driven colleagues whose expertise contributes to outcomes that matter locally, nationally and globally.

Join a community where contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available. The broader benefits of joining UQ are extensive, including 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on-campus childcare and salary packaging.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Maddison Taylor, Manager, Awards, via [email protected]. For application enquiries, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number below in the subject line.

When you apply, please upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Pre-employment checks may include verification of the right to work in Australia and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer-sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We’re dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion but can demonstrate transferable skills, relevant experience and their potential to succeed in the role. We’re also happy to support accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process.

Applications close Monday 28 September 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-69264). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for week commencing 5 October 2026.