Research Support Manager

The Thompson Institute (TI) and National PTSD Research Centre (NPRC) are at the forefront of mental health, neuroscience and trauma research, delivering nationally significant research that improves lives and strengthens communities. As Manager, Research Support, you will play a pivotal leadership role in advancing the Institute’s research performance, profile and impact. Reporting to the Director, TI/NPRC, you will lead strategic initiatives that strengthen research competitiveness, grow research income and build researcher capability across the Institute.

Working closely with researchers, senior leaders and external partners, you will identify and pursue high-value funding opportunities, lead the development of major grant applications, and strengthen the systems, partnerships and programs that enable long-term research success. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of one of Australia’s leading mental health and trauma research institutes while supporting research that delivers meaningful and lasting impact for individuals and communities.

You will:

• Lead the strategic development of the Institute's research performance and profile, nationally and internationally;
• Lead the identification, assessment and pursuit of strategically aligned research funding opportunities and partner with local stakeholders to maximise research income and strategic partnerships;
• Develop and implement sustainable researcher capability programs that improve grant competitiveness and funding success across TI/NPRC’s research cohort;
• Facilitate excellent research outcomes by delivering researcher development strategies.

About you:

You are an experienced research development, grants or research management professional with a proven ability to navigate complex funding environments and deliver successful research outcomes. You bring strategic thinking, strong analytical capability and exceptional relationship-building skills, enabling you to work effectively with researchers, senior leaders and external stakeholders to identify opportunities and drive results. Highly organised and outcomes-focused, you thrive in dynamic environments where you can influence strategy, build partnerships and create new opportunities that support research excellence. Your collaborative approach and ability to translate complex funding opportunities into practical outcomes will position you to make a significant contribution to the Institute’s future success.

You will possess:

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to effectively influence and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders;
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills including the interpretation of policy and compliance documents with an ability to balance the requirements of these with organisational objectives;
• Completion of a relevant postgraduate qualification and extensive relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant knowledge, training, and experience;
• Proven experience in identifying and attracting national and international competitive research funding opportunities;
• Extensive experience in grant proposal development, writing and editing across the diversity of funding sources through government, industry and philanthropy;
• Skilled in the development and delivery of development strategies for researchers to deliver successful research outcomes;
• High level organisational skills and adept at prioritising and multi-tasking with the proven ability to manage multiple projects ensuring competing deadlines are met;
• High level conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Knowledge of financial considerations for budget preparation aligned to research funding applications;
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively across multiple teams to achieve successful outcomes.

Don't meet every requirement? At UniSC, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context.

For additional support during the application process, please contact us at *************@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830. Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 11 October 2026. Your completed application must include a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which will be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team.

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact: Professor Alain Brunet, Director, Thompson Institute, Telephone: 07 5385, Email: ***********@usc.edu.au.

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life.

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia. UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact *************@usc.edu.au.

Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart. Modern teaching & research facilities. Professional development and career pathway opportunities. We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative. Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options. Salary packing options + 17% Super. EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.