Job Description

Research Operations Assistant

About us 

Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) is a community funded and focused not for profit. We are the largest cancer charity in NSW and our point of difference is that we work across every area of every cancer, from research right through to support. 

At CCNSW we understand that nothing feels better than doing work you really care about. As Australia’s leading organisation supporting all people impacted by all cancers, we understand how good it feels to make a difference. We know that almost 1 in 2 Australians are affected by cancer during their lifetime, by joining the passionate team at CCNSW you’ll know that each day the work you’re doing will positively impact people in your life and Australia.  

About the teamAbout the role:

The Daffodil Centre is a strategic initiative of the Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) and the University of Sydney, underpinned by a formal affiliation and collaboration agreement. As a world-leading population and health services cancer research centre, it provides key evidence to influence policy decisions and real-world improvements along the cancer continuum. It has a key focus on precision cancer prevention, screening, early detection and policy relevant outcomes. The Centre combines the complementary strengths of CCNSW and the University of Sydney to create a centre of national and international research excellence where research results in real-world change that reduces the burden of cancer in the community.

The Research Operations Assistant sits within the Research, Operations and Support (ROSe) team and provides two core functions: executive support to the Director, Daffodil Centre, and project and administrative support across the ROSe team’s broad operational portfolio. The role is the first point of contact for the Director’s office and a reliable operational support to the ROSe team across a range of project coordination, grants administration, and general administrative functions.

About the benefits: 

• Generous salary packaging options that can increase your take home pay by paying certain expenses using pre-tax dollars up to $15,900 a year. 
• Recognised for Voice Project's 2021 and 2023 "Best Workplace" Award as well as Xref “Best Workplace” in 2025. 
• A balanced organisational approach to WFH and office   
• Additional performance-based leave available. 
• Work for purpose and know that your work fosters an engaged, diverse and culturally aware organisation. 
• Discounts available for everyday expenses such as private health, retail and fitness 

Key responsibilities of the role: 

• Complex diary management, including preparing agendas, arranging hospitality, and room set- ups for meetings.
• Plan, coordinate, draft and/or disseminate papers, correspondence, and presentations, and exercise control over quality, accuracy and timeliness.
• Brief the Director, Daffodil Centre, and provide support materials on issues, meetings, and forward agenda (including diary commitments), which may include those of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Provide administrative and secretarial support to the Director, including word processing, document preparation, PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheet and database maintenance.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of reporting systems, collating and monitoring the progress of research projects, publications, presentations and grant applications
• Support pre-award grant administration, including collating and formatting application materials, coordinating inputs from contributors, tracking submission deadlines, and maintaining a forward calendar of grant and compliance milestones across active and prospective funding.
• Support post-award administration, including tracking reporting obligations, sending reminders to relevant staff, assisting with the preparation of progress reports and financial acquittals, liaising with funding bodies and internal finance and contracts teams, and maintaining organised grant records and correspondence.
• Coordinate logistics for meetings, workshops, and events managed by the ROSe team, including room bookings, catering, agenda preparation, and distribution of papers.

About you: 

Essential: 

• Extensive experience working and supporting senior management, preferably in a research Director capacity.
• Demonstrated superior organisational and communication skills (both written and oral).
• High level of competence in office productivity systems (MS 365, Copilot).
• Excellent communication skills including courteous presentation to internal and external stakeholders, persuasion, and negotiation skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
• Capacity to take initiative, problem solve and adapt priorities as required.
• Demonstrated experience in meeting deadlines and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced research or operational environment.
• Experience operating in an environment that involves large, multidisciplinary teams across multiple geographical sites.

Desirable: 

• Previous experience in grant application management
• Experience with the following software: Adobe Acrobat, Culture Amp, Employment Hero and Asana

 CCNSW is an inclusive place to volunteer and work.  We embrace diversity, celebrate our differences, and inspire each person to be their authentic self at work.  As we strive to represent the communities we serve, we welcome and actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other diverse groups. 

If you require any adjustments to submit your application, please get in touch at careers@nswcc.org.au  

Apply online by visiting our website directly, copying the following link www.cancercouncil.com.au/jobs then click on the role title and submit your cover letter and resume. 

Job advert closing: 6th July 2026