We are seeking a Research Centre Manager who is innovative and experienced in providing high-level financial, administrative and strategic support to enable delivery of the Centre’s goals.
The Role
The Research Centre Manager will work closely with the Director of the Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research to realise the organisation’s strategic goals. You will be responsible for the effective management of the Centre, encompassing financial management, research administration, and resource planning and management. The Research Centre Manager will be required to:
Develop the annual Centre budget.
Coordinate and contribute to the preparation and implementation of the Centre’s strategic aims, its mission, operational business plans and goals, ensuring their alignment with the Institute’s strategic plan, and the policies and procedures of the University and the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences.
In consultation with the Director, manage the day-to-day financial operations of the Centre and Institute.
Provide financial and administrative support to the Director and Stream Leads, including managing all budgets across the Centre, preparing forecasts, determining spending against budgets, and managing complex contractual arrangements.
Advise on funding applications including budget development, proposal preparation, contract negotiation, compliance, and liaison with external funding bodies, research partners and contracting agencies.
Prepare performance data, and budget and forecast advice, for the Centre and Institute.
About You
You will have extensive knowledge of financial management and research administration, preferably within a Higher Education sector. You will have previous experience in managing a large centre or department and delivering high-level support to executive management. You will have excellent time-management skills, being able to meet tight and conflicting deadlines, prioritising work accordingly and adapting workloads as necessary.
About Us
The Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research (CHSSR), one of the core research centres within Australian Institute of Health Innovation, has a multi-stream program of research which focuses on investigating the outcomes and safety of health services and a staff of 50. The Centre has particular expertise in assessing the impact of information technologies and investigating the role of electronic health records and decision support in supporting improved health care delivery and health outcomes. The Centre’s research team is multi-disciplinary and applies a broad range of research techniques, from RCT designs to direct observations of clinical work. The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of progressive thinking and challenging what’s possible to solve some of the big issues of our time, both nationally and on a global scale. Join leading researchers, passionate educators and internationally respected clinicians, united in a mission towards delivering the best patient care. We are a place of bold discoveries and distinctive educational programs that embolden the future leaders of healthcare.
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, it was established as a bold experiment in higher education and designed to break from educational traditions to work in tandem with industry. Institutionally we strive for the extraordinary by challenging convention and embracing different views. Our pioneering culture has encouraged and inspired students, staff and collaborators to break free from conventional thinking, and to actively shape the complex issues that define the future of humanity.
To Apply
To be considered for this position applicants are asked to provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria below and attach their curriculum vitae as part of the application process.
Selection criteria:
Relevant tertiary qualification/s and or equivalent extensive experience
Extensive knowledge and experience in managing multiple complex project budgets, including budget preparation, monitoring, forecasting, and analysis of data
Demonstrated expertise in operational management within a Research Centre or similar setting
Proven ability to provide leadership and encourage a collaborative, cooperative and service- oriented work environment, including the capacity to embrace and foster change.
Highly developed conceptual, analytical, problem-solving and research skills and ability to develop innovative solutions
Well-developed skills in database management, Office365 and web-based research platforms
Desirable criteria:
Demonstrated experience in research grant submissions (including budget development) and post- award management
Managing projects and operational plans with key stakeholders
Please note this position is only open to Australian citizens, permanent residents and those currently residing in Australia with full working rights.
Specific Role Enquiries: Professor Johanna Westbrook, Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation at johanna.westbrook@mq.edu.au
Applications Close: 26 January 2026 at 11.55 pm
Why work at Macquarie
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.
Our prime location, we are walking distance from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Not only are we close, take a look at our benefits on offer:
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Flexible working options
Training and professional development
Onsite childcare facilities
Discounted health insurance (Medibank)
Onsite vacation care
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics
If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.
Applications Close:
26/01/2026 11:59 PM
A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.