Job Description

The Opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW has a continuing opportunity for a Higher Degree Research Support Officer. In this role, you will support the administration of postgraduate research students across key processes including enrolment, scholarships, progression, examination and graduation, while helping to enhance the student experience and strengthen the Faculty’s HDR support service.

To be successful in the role, you will have experience in student administration, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment. You will be collaborative, organised and customer-focused, with the confidence to work effectively with students, supervisors and a range of internal stakeholders.

This role reports to the HDR Team Leader and has no direct reports.

• Salary, Level 6 – Starting at $108,021 per annum + 17% superannuation
• Full time
• Continuing (Permanent)
• Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
• Flexible working options

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged, and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

The Faculty of Engineering at UNSW is a national and international leader in engineering education and research, recognised for delivering an outstanding student experience alongside world-class research impact. As the largest engineering Faculty in Australia, it graduates the highest number of engineers and offers innovative, industry-connected programs that equip students to address complex global challenges. Through excellence in teaching, curriculum innovation, and both fundamental and applied research, the Faculty continues to strengthen its global reputation for producing highly skilled graduates and driving meaningful societal impact. For more information about the Faculty of Engineering please refer to the Faculty website: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/about-us

Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated relevant administrative and customer service experience in a large and complex tertiary organisation, working closely with postgraduate research students and a Graduate Research School, with an understanding of associated issues.
• Demonstrated project and time management and organisation skills with a proven ability to establish priorities, achieve objectives and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills with a customer service focus and the ability to liaise with a diversity of stakeholders from various backgrounds to handle difficult conversations with confidence, tact and discretion.
• A performance-oriented approached with demonstrated ability to act with a high level of independence, initiative, problem solving, analysis and judgment to provide accurate and appropriate outcomes and resolve complex and sensitive issues efficiently and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse feedback and data to develop and deliver reports and contribute ideas.
• Demonstrated ability to apply, interpret, advise on and contribute to the development of protocols, procedures, guidelines and administrative systems.
• Advanced word processing, PowerPoint, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, internet and email skills, including proficiency with computer packages including Microsoft Office. Experience using a student management system would be highly regarded.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:​

• 17% Superannuation and leave loading​
• Flexible working/Hybrid working ​
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period​
• Access to lifelong learning and career development ​

More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.

To Apply:

Please click the “Apply Now” button and submit your CV, Cover Letter and Responses to the Skills and Experience. You should systematically address the Skills and Experience listed within the position description in your application.

Applicants must have working rights in Australia and be able to be on site in Kensington on a regular basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.

Contact

For role-specific inquiries, please contact Alman Yeung (HDR Team Leader)

E: a.yeung@unsw.edu.au

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Eugene Aves (Talent Acquisition Partner)

E: eugene.aves@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Friday, 14 August 2026

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.