This is a position for a Senior Research Administrator.
The Research Administrator is a member of the Research Management team within the Research Office at the Baker Institute, reporting to the General Manager, Research Management.
The role is responsible for assisting in the management of competitive grant administration, including ensuring the institute’s compliance with funding rules and reporting requirements, document management and the maintenance of a grants database within the Research Management System (RMS) and assisting researchers with funding opportunities and their funding obligations.
As the Baker Institute evolves to meet its changing strategic and operational needs and objectives, so will the roles required of its staff members. As such, staff should be aware that this document is not intended to represent the position which the occupant will perform in perpetuity.
This position description is intended to provide an overall view of the incumbent’s role as at the date of this statement. In addition to this document, the specifics of the incumbent’s role will be described in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) developed by the incumbent and relevant supervisor as part of the Baker Institute’s performance appraisal and development process.
How this role makes a difference
The Senior Research Administrator plays a vital role in supporting the success, integrity, and sustainability of the Institute’s research enterprise. By ensuring grants are well-managed, compliant, and accurately reported, this role directly enables researchers to focus on delivering discoveries that improve health outcomes.
Through this role, you will contribute to the Baker Institute’s mission to help people live healthier for longer and to stop heart disease and diabetes in their tracks.
How you’ll make an impact
- Administer external competitive research grants across pre-award and post-award stages, ensuring compliance with funding body and institutional requirements.
- Review grant applications for compliance and coordinate submissions to major funding bodies, including NHMRC.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to researchers on funding opportunities, grant rules, and awarded grants.
- Maintain accurate grant records and databases within research management systems.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders including Finance, Contracts, and Institute committees to support peer review and due diligence processes.
- Build strong relationships with university research offices and precinct partners to support grant administration and research reporting.
- Collect, analyse, and report research performance data for the Institute and Alfred Research Alliance.
- Support reporting requirements including annual reports, government and sector surveys, and board reporting.
- Maintain intranet content related to funding opportunities and research administration.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of research administration systems, processes, and reporting.
What will you bring
You will have:
- Tertiary qualifications in a health or science discipline, postgraduate qualifications desirable.
- Demonstrated experience in research grant administration within an academic or medical research environment.
- Strong knowledge of competitive research funding schemes, particularly NHMRC MRFF highly regarded.
- Experience reviewing grant applications for compliance with funding body rules.
- High-level analytical, organisational, and data management skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with strong numeracy skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships.
- A systematic, detail-oriented approach with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
- A proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and confidentiality.
So, why join us
You can enjoy a challenging career in the exciting international research sector where you can explore your potential and make a real difference.
The Baker Institute offers flexibility for work-life balance, generous salary packaging, an employee assistance program, social activities, learning and development opportunities. We also offer modern offices and laboratories in the Alfred Research Alliance precinct with an on-site gym, located opposite beautiful Fawkner Park and within walking distance to Chapel Street and St Kilda Road.
Remuneration will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.
We’d love to hear from you
If you’re an experienced research administration professional, passionate about supporting high-quality research and confident navigating competitive grants, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re reviewing applications as they are received, so if this sounds like the position for you, you have the skills and knowledge we’re looking for, an appetite to learn, and want to join an organisation where you can make a positive difference, please apply without delay. For a position description or further information, please visit baker.edu.au/career.
To apply for this position please submit your application in PDF format and include the following documents a copy of your resume, cover letter and separate supporting document addressing the position requirements.
To be eligible to apply for this position, you must have appropriate Australian working rights.
Please note offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks and the successful candidate will be required to undertake a police check prior to commencement in the position.
Should you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly People Experience team.
People Experience Team
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
E: recruitment@baker.edu.au