Senior Project Officer (Research)

Role type: Full Time; Fixed-term for two years  
Department: Chancellery Research and Enterprise  
Salary: UOM 8 - $125,191 - $135,504 p.a. plus 17% super

• Senior research strategy role within Chancellery Research and Enterprise / Work directly with DVCR leadership / Shape institution-wide research policy responses

• Apply now to lead strategic research projects that strengthen the University’s resilience, impact and global reputation.

• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

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 our website.

Your next career opportunity:  
You will lead strategic research projects that shape University-wide responses to emerging opportunities, risks and reforms. You will work closely with senior leaders, providing high-quality analysis, advice and coordination across portfolios and faculties. You will deepen your expertise in research policy, governance and sector strategy in a collaborative, high-performing team.

What you will deliver:

• Lead and coordinate strategic research initiatives and institutional responses, including responsible research and open scholarship initiatives.

• Provide high-quality analysis, reports, briefings and presentations for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and senior University leaders.

• Manage projects and programs spanning multiple portfolios, ensuring clear governance, timelines, documentation and effective stakeholder engagement.

• Draft policies, consultation responses and strategic submissions to government and sector bodies, synthesising diverse input and recommendations.

• Foster a collaborative, respectful team culture and share best practice in research strategy, policy and project delivery.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline, combined with substantial related professional experience.

• Bring experience in research, research administration, government or higher education within large, complex organisations.

• Demonstrate advanced project management capability, including monitoring, evaluation and concurrent delivery of multiple initiatives.

• Excel at producing clear, persuasive written materials and communicating complex issues to diverse senior stakeholders.

• Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to ambiguous issues, negotiating workable, creative solutions across stakeholder groups.

• Maintain detailed records, manage competing priorities independently and use digital tools to support efficient project delivery.

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:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being

• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team:  
You will join Chancellery Research and Enterprise, which shapes and delivers the University’s overarching research strategy. The team partners with faculties, institutes and professional divisions to enable transformational research with real-world impact. You will collaborate with senior leaders, gain visibility of institution-wide decision-making, and contribute to a collegial performance culture.

Be Yourself   
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants   
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected]

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Katherine Nesbitt  
Tel +61 3 8344 2643 Email: [email protected]

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Alessandro Storani at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: ​ Sunday 24 May 2026 - 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description:  PD_JR-013399 Senior Project Officer (Research).docx

PD_JR-013399 Senior Project Officer (Research).pdf