Research Development Manager (Collective Excellence Major Initiatives)

• Full time, 3 years fixed term opportunity

• Lead major, high‑impact research initiatives at a world‑leading university

• Base Salary $146,197 - $154,260 (HEO9) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking a senior, strategic Research Development Manager (Collective Excellence Major Initiatives) to support the development and delivery of major competitive research initiatives aligned to the University’s Collective Excellence Areas for Acceleration.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Major Initiatives, this role sits within the Pipeline and Pre Award team and plays a critical role in identifying large scale funding opportunities and supporting senior researchers and research leaders to deliver high quality, competitive research proposals with national and international impact.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work closely with senior researchers, research leaders and internal stakeholders to support major research initiatives

• identify, analyse and target major competitive funding opportunities aligned to institutional research priorities

• lead and coordinate end to end research development support for large scale, complex funding applications

• provide high level strategic advice on proposal positioning, design and competitiveness

• coordinate inputs and support across the research portfolio to deliver high quality applications

• build and maintain strong relationships with external partners and funding bodies.

About you

• extensive experience in research development within a higher education or research‑intensive environment

• strong knowledge of the Australian research funding landscape and major competitive grant schemes

• proven experience supporting large‑scale, complex grant or centre‑level applications

• advanced capability in strategy development, analysis and program delivery

• the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and exercise sound strategic judgement

• postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Turle Recruitment Operations by email to nicole.turle@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 10 May 2026 11:59 PM