Elevate UQ’s research impact through strategic oversight of high‑value grant applications, while leading and mentoring a high‑performing team through peak submission cycles and critical deadlines.
Full‑time, Fixed‑Term opportunity 12 months (leave cover) at HEW Level 8, with a base salary of $117,958–$132,247 plus 17% superannuation.
Toowong location - with easy access to Brisbane CBD, strong transport links, and great local cafés and amenities.
About This Opportunity
We’re seeking an experienced Manager to lead a dedicated and high‑performing Pre‑Award team and work closely with researchers to secure competitive research funding at one of Australia’s leading universities.
Supporting more than 2,500 grant applications each year, you’ll provide clear leadership to a specialist team of five while remaining hands‑on with major and complex submissions. You’ll balance strategic oversight with practical involvement, offering trusted, pragmatic advice to researchers and senior stakeholders across a diverse funding landscape.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading people, shaping best practice and staying close to the detail, delivering tangible outcomes that directly contribute to research success.
Key responsibilities will include:
Lead, coach and support a team of Pre‑Award Grants Officers to deliver consistent, high‑quality service to UQ researchers
Oversee and coordinate time‑critical, deadline‑driven grant submissions across a broad and diverse funding portfolio
Partner with faculties, institutes and central teams to provide expert advice on compliance, best practice, and competitiveness of grant applications
Manage competing priorities across multiple schemes, stakeholders and timelines using strong project management skills
Contribute strategic input to the ongoing development and direction of the Pre‑Award function
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
On campus childcare options
Salary packaging options
About You
You bring strong experience in both people management and research administration. You are confident coordinating complex work across multiple priorities. You are organised, pragmatic and able to keep track of detail while still understanding broader objectives and timeframes.
You communicate clearly with a wide range of stakeholders and are comfortable providing advice, interpreting requirements and resolving issues as they arise. You take a considered, solutions‑focused approach to your work and contribute positively to team culture through collaboration, openness and a commitment to continuous improvement.
You’ll also bring:
Deep experience in research grants administration or review, with a strong understanding of pre‑award processes and funding rules
A proven ability to lead and support teams through peak submission periods while maintaining momentum and focus
The credibility and confidence to build trusted relationships with academic leaders and professional colleagues
Strong planning and coordination skills, translating priorities into clear, achievable outcomes
Experience using data, feedback and performance insights to inform process improvements and support smarter ways of working
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other 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.
Questions?
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Jodi Clyde-Smith on j.clyde-smith@uq.edu.au. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply?
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
Other Information
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close 11th May at 11.00pm AEST (R-64098).