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

Griffith University is seeking a dynamic and strategically minded Research Development Officer to play a pivotal role in advancing research excellence across the School of Education and Professional Studies and the Griffith Institute for Educational Research (GIER).

Working closely with the Head and Dean, Education and Professional Studies, research leaders and key stakeholders, you will drive initiatives that strengthen research performance, foster a vibrant research culture, and build research capacity across the School and Institute. This influential role offers the opportunity to lead research development projects, support the growth of collaborative research groups and strategic partnerships, and enhance the visibility, impact and engagement of world-class research.

If you are passionate about enabling research success, translating strategy into action, and supporting researchers to maximise their impact, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to transformative research initiatives that make a difference in education and society.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Lead research development initiatives by coordinating research groups, capacity-building programs and strategic projects that strengthen research performance and culture across the School and GIER.
• Provide expert research support and advice to senior leaders, researchers and committees on research priorities, opportunities, governance and strategic initiatives.
• Drive research funding success through the coordination of grant development activities, funding opportunities and collaborative research partnerships.
• Enhance research visibility and impact by implementing communication, engagement and knowledge translation activities that promote the profile and influence of School and GIER research.
• Deliver research performance insights and governance support through data analysis, reporting, stakeholder engagement and the coordination of research planning and decision-making processes.

About you

The successful candidate will have a relevant postgraduate qualification and/or substantial experience in research development, research management, higher education administration or a related field.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated experience leading and coordinating research development initiatives, strategic projects, research groups or capacity-building programs, with the ability to deliver outcomes in complex organisational environments.
• Proven ability to support research funding activities, facilitate collaboration, and build productive relationships with researchers, industry, government, community and other external stakeholders.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing and implementing strategies that enhance research visibility, engagement, reputation and impact across diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex data and information, prepare high-quality reports and briefing materials, and provide evidence-based advice to support strategic planning, governance and decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively, influence outcomes and build effective partnerships across a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate multiple initiatives, and identify opportunities for process and service improvement.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a university, research institute or knowledge-intensive environment.
• Knowledge of the Australian higher education and research funding landscape, including competitive grant schemes, research impact and engagement frameworks.

What we can offer

This is a fixed term (available until 31 December 2026), full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast (preferred) 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 7 is in the range $104,504 - $113,219 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $122,270 - $132,466 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
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

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 Professor Debbie Heck, Head and Dean, School of Education and Professional Studies at d.heck@griffith.edu.au.

For further application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner on t.burke@griffith.edu.au.

Closing date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026 at 11.59pm. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.