At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Horizon Europe initiatives, empowering researchers to secure international funding.
- Company: Join the University of Melbourne, a leader in global research impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 17% superannuation, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research funding and make a real difference globally.
- Qualifications: Experience in research grants administration and strategic advice on large-scale funding.
The predicted salary is between 135504 - 135504 $ per year.
Role type: Full time; Fixed term until December 2027
Department/ School: Melbourne Research and Enterprise
Salary: $125,191 - $135,504 p.a. plus 17% super
Strategic senior specialist role shaping EU funding engagement / drive Horizon Europe success across the University / global research impact.
Join us to lead Horizon Europe readiness, empowering researchers to secure large-scale international funding. Investing in you - 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
The Australian Government has successfully concluded negotiations for association to Horizon Europe Pillar II. This will allow Australian researchers to join international and cross-sectoral R&D consortia through the final year of a AU$155 billion funding pool. Horizon Europe Pillar II opens opportunities for Australian researchers to access the largest multilateral research program in the world, spanning six thematic clusters.
Your next career opportunity:
- You will play a pivotal role in positioning Melbourne as a leading participant in Horizon Europe Pillar II.
- You will translate complex European funding frameworks into clear strategies, capability programs and targeted support for researchers and support staff spanning the whole grant life cycle.
- You will gain high visibility across the University and with international partners, influencing long-term research success.
What you will deliver:
- Provide strategic advice on Horizon Europe, translating evolving EU frameworks into practical institutional strategies and actions.
- Design and lead capability-building initiatives that prepare researchers to engage confidently in Horizon Europe consortia.
- Develop and manage a robust pipeline of Horizon Europe concepts, proposals and partnerships aligned with University strengths.
- Coordinate complex pre-award activities, ensuring effective collaboration across faculties, central teams and external partners.
- Identify institutional readiness gaps and implement scalable tools, guidance and interventions to support compliant participation.
You may be a great fit if you:
- Bring several years' experience in research grants administration within complex, research-intensive organisations.
- Demonstrate expertise supporting Horizon Europe Pillar II or similar large-scale multinational funding schemes from ideation to delivery.
- Provide high-level strategic advice, distilling ambiguous information, assessing risks and opportunities, and proposing workable solutions.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including international partners and cross-institutional project teams.
- Lead complex cross-functional initiatives, coordinating diverse contributors to deliver strategic research funding outcomes on tight timelines.
- Excel in written communication, producing clear guidance and briefings, while exercising autonomous judgement as a senior specialist.
What we offer you:
- Build future financial security with 17% superannuation.
- Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being.
- Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning.
- Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave.
- Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company.
- Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program.
Your new team – Melbourne Research and Enterprise:
You will join the International Research Grants team in Melbourne Research and Enterprise, driving Strategy 2030 and Advancing Research 2030 across the University. Based in the Office of Research Management, you will collaborate closely with grants, contracts, ethics and finance experts. The team partners with Melbourne Enterprise and faculties to translate world-class discovery into impact through funding and partnerships.
Be Yourself:
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team. This role is eligible for visa sponsorship and we welcome international applicants. A Working with Children Check is required for all positions.
Applications close: 11 September 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.
Horizon EU Specialist employer: The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Melbourne. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the university provides numerous professional development opportunities and encourages interdisciplinary partnerships, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education and research.
Contact Details:
The University of Melbourne Recruitment Team
