Research Support Administrator

Who we are:
At Torrens University Australia, making a difference is in our DNA. As a Certified B Corporation, we belong to a global community of future-focused companies using business as a force for good. We believe in the transformative power of education to change lives, families, communities – and the world. That’s why we’re on a mission to increase access to higher education, so learners from all walks of life can chase their dreams.

A progressive university, we ground our studies in industry. Expert academics bring their insights into the classroom, with a range of assessment types that aim to be authentic and informed by industry needs. Bridging the gap between study and work, our educators prepare students for career success and connect them with future employers. Building relevant skills, experience and networks from day one, students don’t just learn about their industry, they live it.

What’s the job?

The Research Support Administrator is responsible for providing focussed research administration for a 3-year NHMRC Ideas grant titled “Reducing alcohol consumption through the sober curious movement”. The Research Support Administrator will work with a research team from Torrens University Australia (Prof Paul Ward is leading the study), La Trobe University, Monash University, the University of Auckland and Columbia University New York, including Chief Investigators, other funded researchers and PhD students. This is a 3-stage mixed-methods study: Stage 1 will include a social media analysis of alcohol-free marketing and interviews with producers; Stage 2 will include interviews with high alcohol consuming groups; Stage 3 will co-develop interventions for alcohol reduction. The study aims to understand the social worlds of drinking and the potential for sober curiosity in four 4 heavy drinking ‘case-study’ groups: 1) male construction workers, 2) hospitality sector workers, 3) LGBTQ+ women and 4) tertiary education students (university and TAFE) living in regional areas. This position will provide support to the research team, including handling correspondence and arranging communication between the team (e.g. team meetings, teleconferences), grant contract and financial management, arranging transcriptions, travel arrangements and event management for the Citizen\’s Juries and Policy Symposia. They will also establish and maintain an Endnote library for the project, organise and contribute to maintaining the project website, assist with the technicalities of disseminating results including report production, and conduct other administrative tasks as required. This position will also manage the budget under the guidance of the CI Ward.

Day-to-day accountabilities:

• Provide professional administrative support to Prof Paul Ward

• Undertake diary and event management for the study and prepare agendas and papers for research teams meetings

• Create and manage a project management plan (in appropriate project management software)

• Manage and update an Endnote library for the study

• Liaise with other administrative units within the university in relation to the study, including contacts, grants management, finance, HR and legal

• Prepare some internal and external communications

• Provide administrative support to research meetings across the study

• Provide support in maintaining and developing relevant internal and external web pages.

• Manage and process invoices, payments, expenses and travel related to the study.

To read more about the role please click here to view job description.

This is a part-time 3-year contract position (0.7FTE, or 22.6 hours per week). The preferred location for this role is Adelaide.

Who you are

• Experience of undertaking research administration within universities, preferably related to NHMRC funded studies

• Experience in implementing and maintaining document management and control systems

• Advanced MS Office program skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and Outlook

• Exceptional organisational skills and commitment to detail and diary management capability

• Highly developed time and project management skills and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and to effectively manage multiple projects including the organisation of events and functions

• Strong verbal communication, interpersonal and public relations skills to enable professional interaction with a range of people and cultures including senior management and other staff

Why join us?

Bold, modern and agile, we’re Australia’s fastest-growing university going from 164 students in 2014 to 40,000+ alumni across 115+ countries and 2000 + staff today. In 2020, Australian Financial Review named us one of the country’s most innovative companies. As we continue to establish ourselves as a truly global university, we never lose sight of our student-centric approach. Supported by teams of passionate people, you’ll find opportunities for professional development and career progression.

We are a private, for-profit university with a robust research agenda as well as social impact initiatives focused on making the world a better place. We encourage meaningful work from our academics that contributes to our overall mission.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all positions.

Our culture

Just like our students, our employees are a diverse group who want to make an impact. When you join us, we give you the freedom to be bold, creative and courageous – with flexible working arrangements (hours and ways of working will vary from role to role) that allow you to bring your best. We’ve built a culture that celebrates community, collaboration and innovation, where people love what they do.

What we offer:

We support your personal passions, development and wellbeing, to make your working life a more rewarding experience. At Torrens University Australia, you’ll benefit from:

• a positive workplace environment that fosters a global, entrepreneurial mindset

• belonging to a team of researchers making a difference to society

• building on an academic culture connected to industry and community

• opportunities to innovate across teaching and research

• access to internal opportunities that promote professional growth

Hiring process

We aim to provide you with the necessary information you need at each stage of this process to put your best self forward. Should you have accessibility requirements or needs please contact maur.bell@Torrens.edu.au for confidential support to ensure an equitable, barrier free application process as we have a Reasonable Adjustment Procedure in place to support you through the recruitment process.

We are a 2025 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant.

To learn more about what makes Torrens University Australia a great place to work, visit https://www.torrens.edu.au/blog.

We’d love to hear from you.

Applications close: 6th July 2025

Job reference: R27011

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at yourcareer@torrens.edu.au

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