Job Description
Company Description
Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.
Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.
Job Description
The Office for Research delivers professional research support services with functions spanning key infrastructure and facilities, grants, development, ethics and integrity, policy, performance and reporting. Griffith University is one of Australia’s largest universities. It is research intensive, inclusive, innovative, progressive, deeply engaged in the Asia-Pacific region, and committed to ensuring it contributes to society through research that provides social dividends.
As Senior Research Development Manager you will drive major strategic interdisciplinary research initiatives across Griffith, working with a range of internal and external partners to secure competitive research funding. This role involves providing strategic advice, fostering collaborations, and supporting researchers in developing successful major research funding applications.
The Senior Research Development Manager (SRDM) is responsible for assisting researchers in identifying opportunities, assessing feasibility, developing proposals, negotiating partner involvement, and managing strategic research grant opportunities for the University in selected disciplines. The SRDM will help to raise the research capability and profile of the University through increased participation in major strategic research collaborations both nationally and internationally, and in enhancing research income. The SRDM will also review, contribute to and/or coordinate the development of strategic grant applications and major collaborative and inter-disciplinary research funding proposals across the University.
The Senior Research Development Manager operates under broad direction and proactively coordinates research development activities across Griffith University to deliver a multi-year pipeline of strategic and major funding proposals, ensuring quality at every stage. The role works closely with internal and external stakeholders to align resources and foster collaborations across disciplines and with external partners.
The role will be based in the Office for Research but will work closely with particular academic elements of the University. The position will be expected to liaise with the Directors of relevant research institutes and centres, as well as the appropriate Pro Vice Chancellor and Deans Research. A key requirement of the role is the ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines to support major research initiatives that are inherently interdisciplinary.
We are interested in applicants with a background in one or more of STEM and Arts, Education & Law disciplines. Experience in major ARC grant schemes would also be an advantage.
About you
The successful candidate will hold a degree, preferably a higher research degree, in a discipline relevant to Griffith’s research capabilities, and relevant experience; or an equivalent alternative combination of relevant knowledge and extensive experience in research management or research development.
You will also have:
- Proven ability to identify, develop, and drive large-scale, collaborative research initiatives and secure major funding opportunities.
- Extensive experience providing strategic advice and research development support within a university, industry, or government setting.
- Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with researchers, senior leadership, industry partners, and funding bodies.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex research funding landscapes and develop competitive positioning strategies.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality proposals, reports, and presentations, and deliver and/or facilitate engaging workshops and training.
- A proactive and adaptable mindset, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, think strategically, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team and across disciplines to achieve shared goals and deliver major research initiatives.
What we can offer
These are fixed term (12 months), full-time positions primarily based at either Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan) or Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.
Salary Range
The full-time base salary for a HEW Level 9 is in the range $132,655 - $137,398 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $155,206 - $160,756 per annum.
Additional Information
Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:
- Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
- Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
- Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
- Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
- Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.
Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.
Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:
- A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
- Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.
For further information specifically about this role, please contact Dr Andrew Burgess, Acting Head of Research Development at [email protected]
For application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner at [email protected]
Closing date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.
Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.
