Research Development Officer

• Salary breakdown: $82,000.00 - $92,000.00 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging ($15,900.00 + Meal & Entertainment expenses)
• Support strategic grant writing, partner with leading researchers and funders
• Develop specialist expertise in grant strategy, funding, research metrics, and stakeholder engagement 

About the Institute
Located on the lands of the Bidiagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation (Randwick, NSW), Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research Institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone.  Emphasising a devoted focus to into suicide prevention, digital mental health, a workplace mental health, we undertake a unique ‘translational’ research approach that allows us to turn our world-class findings into new treatments, prevention strategies, clinical services, educational programs, and e-health products. We join the dots by connecting research answers, expert knowledge, and the voices of lived experience to deliver solutions that impact and boost the health care system for patients and practitioners alike. Our work is used to drive evidence informed change across the rapidly expanding mental health sector and sets the foundations for a brighter and healthier future for all.

Benefits

• Hybrid work, 1-2 days per week in office (choose your days, consistent team collaboration days where possible)
• 35 hour work week, flexible hours agreements & 9-day fortnights
• Salary Packaging: $15,900.00 of your base salary tax free & up to $2650.00 meal & entertainment
• Family first, people first culture, we put our research into action at work to make sure we maintain mental health and wellbeing at work
• We in the Innovate stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), actively embedding reconciliation into our workplace culture.
• Pet friendly workplace
• Leave benefits including public holiday swap, gifted annual leave, and wellbeing leave 
• Employee discounts and gym membership benefits

The Role

As the Research Development Officer, you will support the delivery of research development services, assisting researchers throughout the grant development lifecycle. You will help coordinate funding opportunities, manage grant administration processes, provide strategic and operational support for funding applications, and contribute to research reporting and development initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities

Grant Development & Research Support

• Identify and promote research funding opportunities.
• Support researchers in developing competitive grant applications and strengthening their research track records.
• Coordinate peer review processes and facilitate institutional approvals.
• Assist with researcher engagement activities, including workshops, information sessions, and one-on-one support.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support successful grant submissions.
• Maintain grant calendars, trackers, and funding opportunity communications

Grant Administration

• Coordinate grant development activities, seminars, and workshops.
• Manage Notice of Intent processes and provide timely support to researchers.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation relating to submissions and approvals.
• Respond to research support enquiries and connect researchers with appropriate resources and teams.
• Support preparation of submission documentation, including approvals and supporting materials.

Research Operations & Reporting

• Assist with research data management and reporting activities.
• Support implementation of research frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Contribute to research metrics collection and analysis.
• Collaborate across teams to improve research processes and support organisational research goals

Selection Criteria

We're interested in applicants who bring a combination of the following skills, experience, and capabilities:

Essential

• Experience in research administration, academic research, or a related environment.
• Understanding of the research funding landscape.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail and record management capabilities.
• Well-developed analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, databases, and CRM systems.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team. 

Desirable

• Experience within a medical research institute or health research environment.
• Experience supporting research development activities and grant submissions.
• Experience with budgeting or financial administration for research projects.
• Familiarity with research analytics tools such as SciVal, Web of Science, or Google Scholar.

Inclusion at BDI  

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience where all candidates can fully participate in the process.

We warmly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, culturally and racially diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.

We recognise that not everyone has had equal access to opportunities, and valuable skills and perspectives can be gained through diverse life experiences.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply as your lived experience and insights are important to us.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements or require information in an alternative format, please email workplaceadjustments@blackdog.org.au or phone 02 9382 4530 

Privacy

We respect your privacy and confidentiality. We only provide information to other staff where it is needed to arrange workplace adjustments.

How to Apply
To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to our careers site on ELMO and submit your most up to date resume and a detailed cover letter addressing the selection criteria for the role. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. 

Commencement of employment with the Institute is subject to the completion of relevant pre-employment checks, include reference checks, a National Criminal History Check, and other role-specific requirements.
These checks are conducted in line with the Institute’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all employees, and check outcomes are reviewed and applied fairly and in accordance with the inherent requirements of the role