Major Research Initiatives Officer

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.

Griffith University has established a Major Research Funding Framework that supports the identification, development and pursuit of major research opportunities where external investment will be required. These major research opportunities profile the University’s research capability and expertise and contribute to the achievement of the University’s Strategic and Research and Innovation Plans. The Framework is managed through and under the direction of the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research.

The Major Research Initiatives Officer works closely with the Strategic Manager, Major Research Funding and the Research Development Team providing administrative and management support and project coordination for the effective operation of the University’s Major Research Funding Framework including the development of high-quality major research funding applications.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage and develop the University’s Major Research Funding information resources including databases, SharePoint and websites used by university managers, senior researchers and external partners.
• Oversee the maintenance of the University’s pipeline record of major research initiatives to ensure the data quality is to a standard that can be used for senior management, governance reporting and workload planning purposes.
• Prepare reports, analysis and benchmarking of major research opportunities that will be used by senior leadership and university committees.
• Provide high level support to the Research Development Team in the development of major research funding applications, including coordinating internal and external facing workshops and seminars, making travel arrangements as well as monitoring budgets and timelines for deliverables.
• Contribute to producing high-quality, competitive research funding applications through the development of scheme compliant templates, track record analysis, preparing funding application documentation, monitoring progress in external systems and providing quality control on final applications.
• Undertake desktop research, including the collation and analysis of benchmarking data and other relevant information from external sources to inform decision making by senior researchers, University executives and management.

About you

The successful candidate will hold relevant tertiary qualifications and subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

You will also have:

• Proven experience in working on large-scale research initiatives, preferably in a university, research institute, or government setting.
• Experience in preparing competitive research funding proposals and managing budgets.
• Knowledge of research funding policies.
• Experience in working effectively with researchers and research partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft reports, proposals, and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills to assess funding schemes and the opportunities for research.
• Proficiency in data analysis and research performance metrics.

What we can offer

This is a fixed term (three years), full-time position primarily based at either Griffith University Brisbane Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan). 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 6 is in the range $91,843 - $97,964 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $107,456 - $114,618 per annum.

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. 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 your application includes the following:

• A covering statement outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae, including name and 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 Brit Winnen, Head of Research Development, Office for Research via email:  [email protected]

For application support, please contact People Services on (07) 373 54011 and quote reference number REF7993M.

Closing date:  Tuesday, 8 July 2025 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.