Western Sydney University is inviting applications for the Research Officer position within the School of Arts at its Parramatta South Campus in Australia. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced research professionals who are passionate about journalism, media studies, and research administration. The position offers a competitive salary of up to AUD $104,713 per year, plus 17% superannuation, leave loading, flexible working arrangements, and access to outstanding employee benefits.

The successful candidate will contribute to research projects focusing on journalism and media practices in the Global South, supporting academic staff with research administration, project coordination, budgeting, compliance, and grant management. If you’re looking to advance your career in higher education and research management in Australia, this opportunity is worth exploring.

IUAC Apprentice Recruitment 2026 | Apply now

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Position Overview

Job Title: Research Officer

Employer: Western Sydney University

Department: School of Arts

Location: Parramatta South Campus, Sydney, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Contract: Fixed-Term (Until 31 December 2028)

Reference ID: REF1523D

Salary: AUD $97,693 – AUD $104,713 per year

Additional Benefits:

• 17% Superannuation
• Leave Loading
• Flexible Working Arrangements

Application Deadline: 19 July 2026

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About Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University is one of Australia’s leading public universities, known for delivering world-class education, innovative research, and meaningful community engagement. The university serves one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most diverse regions while maintaining strong international partnerships and a commitment to research excellence.

The university promotes an inclusive workplace where diversity, equality, innovation, and collaboration are central to its mission.

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About the Research Officer Position

The Research Officer will play a vital role in supporting research projects within the School of Arts, particularly those examining journalism, media practices, and communication in the Global South.

Working closely with academic researchers, the successful applicant will provide research support, coordinate project administration, manage budgets, ensure compliance with funding requirements, and contribute to grant development.

This role combines academic research support with project management and financial administration, making it ideal for professionals with strong organizational and analytical skills.

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Research Focus Areas

The successful candidate will support projects related to:

• Journalism and media practices
• Global South communication studies
• Policy development
• Multi-perspectival communication
• Media education and pedagogy
• Research administration
• Grant-funded research projects

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Key Responsibilities

As a Research Officer, your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting literature reviews
• Collecting research data
• Data entry and management
• Basic qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Preparing research reports and materials
• Supporting project administration
• Coordinating research project setup
• Monitoring project compliance
• Maintaining accurate project documentation
• Supporting grant applications
• Developing research budgets
• Preparing financial reports
• Raising invoices and purchase orders
• Managing project expenditure
• Assisting with funding applications
• Liaising with researchers and funding agencies
• Ensuring compliance with university policies
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives

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What Success Looks Like

Successful candidates will:

• Deliver efficient research administration
• Maintain accurate project records
• Support compliant project management
• Process budgets and financial documentation accurately
• Provide researchers with timely administrative support
• Assist with successful grant submissions
• Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure research projects meet funding requirements

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• A relevant research degree

OR

• Equivalent professional research experience

Applicants should also demonstrate experience in:

• Research administration
• Research project coordination
• Financial administration
• Budget management
• Grant support
• Research compliance

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Desired Skills

Western Sydney University is seeking candidates with:

• Strong research administration experience
• Excellent organizational skills
• High-level computer proficiency
• Advanced spreadsheet skills
• Experience using research databases
• Strong analytical abilities
• Excellent written communication
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Strong attention to detail
• Budget tracking experience
• Reporting skills

Holding or working toward ARMS Accreditation is considered an advantage.

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Employee Benefits

Western Sydney University offers an excellent range of employee benefits.

Financial Benefits

Employees receive:

• Competitive salary
• 17% employer superannuation
• Salary sacrifice options
• Staff banking offers
• Novated vehicle leasing
• On-site parking salary packaging

Health & Wellbeing

Staff also enjoy:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Fitness Passport eligibility
• Discounted private health insurance
• Wellbeing initiatives

Family Benefits

Additional support includes:

• On-site childcare
• Early learning centres
• Discounted childcare fees (subject to availability)
• Family-friendly workplace policies

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Why Work at Western Sydney University?

Western Sydney University offers a vibrant and supportive research environment where employees contribute to meaningful research with real-world impact.

Benefits of joining include:

• Work alongside leading researchers
• Flexible work arrangements
• Strong professional development opportunities
• Inclusive workplace culture
• Modern research facilities
• International collaborations
• Career progression opportunities
• Research-focused environment

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Working Rights

Applicants must have full-time working rights in Australia at the time of application.

Only applications submitted through the official Western Sydney University recruitment portal will be considered.

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Application Process

Interested candidates should complete their application through the University’s online recruitment system.

OFFICIAL LINK

Applicants will typically be required to submit:

• Online application
• Updated CV
• Responses to selection criteria
• Employment history
• Academic qualifications
• Supporting documentation

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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Important Dates

Application Deadline: 19 July 2026

Job Type: Full-Time

Contract Duration: Until 31 December 2028

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Why You Should Apply

This Research Officer role offers an excellent opportunity to build a career within one of Australia’s leading universities while contributing to impactful research in journalism and media studies.

With an attractive salary exceeding AUD $100,000, generous superannuation, flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and comprehensive employee benefits, the position is ideal for professionals seeking long-term career growth in higher education and research administration.

If you have experience supporting research projects, managing grants, coordinating budgets, and working with multidisciplinary teams, this role provides an exciting pathway to contribute to globally relevant research while working in an inclusive and dynamic academic environment.

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FAQs

1. Where is the Research Officer position located?

The role is based at Western Sydney University’s Parramatta South Campus in Sydney, Australia.

2. Is this a permanent position?

No. It is a fixed-term full-time contract until 31 December 2028.

3. What salary is offered?

The annual salary ranges from AUD $97,693 to AUD $104,713, plus 17% superannuation and leave loading.

4. What qualifications are required?

Applicants should have a relevant research degree or equivalent professional experience in research administration.

5. Is experience with research grants required?

Yes. Experience supporting grant applications, budgeting, and research administration is highly desirable.

6. Is flexible working available?

Yes. Western Sydney University offers flexible working arrangements for eligible staff.

7. Do applicants need Australian working rights?

Yes. Applicants must have full-time working rights in Australia when applying.

8. What type of research will I support?

Projects focus on journalism, media practices, communication, and the Global South.

9. What employee benefits are provided?

Benefits include 17% superannuation, leave loading, private health discounts, childcare support, Employee Assistance Program, fitness programs, salary packaging, and professional development opportunities.

10. When is the application deadline?

Applications close on 19 July 2026.