Senior Research Administration Officer - BNHRC

Job Description

• 0.6 FTE Part-time, 2 Year Fixed-Term position at HEW Level 6.
• Hawkesbury Campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $97,693 – $104,713 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading (Pro-Rata $58,615.80 - $62,827.80).

Coordinate finance and reporting for a major research centre focused on bushfire and natural hazards.

The Opportunity
You will support the successful delivery of the NSW Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre through a broad range of administrative and coordination activities. Working within the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, you will lead financial management processes and ensure the Centre operates within its funding requirements.

You will coordinate and compile quarterly, annual and final reports, bringing together contributions from multiple research projects and stakeholders. This includes ensuring reporting is accurate, timely and presented clearly for both technical and non-technical audiences.

You will manage contractual arrangements with external research partners and act as a central point of contact for administration and operational matters. You will build strong working relationships across the University and with external stakeholders, providing guidance on finance, travel and administrative processes to support the Centre’s day-to-day operations.

What Success Looks Like:

• Financial management and expenditure align with funding rules and delegations.
• Quarterly, annual and final reports are delivered accurately and on time.
• Contractual arrangements and sub-contracts are implemented effectively.
• Researchers and stakeholders receive clear administrative and financial guidance.
• Strong coordination is maintained across internal and external partners.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline and equivalent professional administrative training and experience, or in the absence of such qualifications, extensive professional administrative training and experience.
• Capacity to manage administrative processes and functions including the ability to efficiently and effectively assess operational needs.
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships with academic and professional staff across the entire University and external partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated organisational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritise, problem solve, monitor workflows, pay attention to detail and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality reports for non-technical audiences. Familiarity with the use of AI for efficient compilation of reporting, while maintaining high ethical standards in its use.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Rachael Gallagher, Professor in Plant Conservation & Ecology via Rachael.Gallagher@westernsydney.edu.au or Rachael Nolan, Associate Professor in Fire and Plant Ecology via Rachael.Nolan@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1547S.
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 9 August 2026. 
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western
We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au.

About the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. The Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in ecology, physiology, genetics and global change biology. Within the past decade, the Institute has become a world-leading centre of excellence in ecosystem function and environmental responses to climate change. With a unique suite of world-class research facilities, the Institute collaborates widely with Australian and international institutions to craft scientific research of the highest calibre.

For more information, please visit our website www.westernsydney.edu.au/hie .

About Western
This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn.