Support Officer - Higher Degree Research

The Opportunity

• Full-time (35 hours week)
• Fixed-term contact to Sept 2027
• Level 6; Salary from $108,021 + 17% super

About the Role

The Higher Degree Research (HDR) Support Officer plays a key role in providing high level customer service and coordinating a broad range of administration processes to support the University’s HDR community within the Graduate Research School.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality advice and support to HDR applicants, candidates, supervisors and stakeholders across admissions, scholarships, candidature, thesis submission, examination and research training.
• Act as the primary contact for enquiries, managing correspondence and administrative processes across the HDR lifecycle, including enrolments, deferrals, withdrawals, thesis submissions and scholarship variations.
• Coordinate social media, peer support and engagement activities that strengthen connection and enhance the HDR candidate experience.
• Build effective stakeholder relationships, support team workflows and contribute to Graduate Research School initiatives, events and special projects.

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We are a large organisation with a diverse and highly talented community doing extraordinary work. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all we do, and this collective approach is what gives our work impact. It is also why UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities in the QS World University Rankings and is a proud member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you’re seeking a career where you can thrive, be challenged and contribute to meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Benefits and Culture: 

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:

• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements  
• Affordable on-campus parking

You will bring

• Demonstrated experience in customer service, student support or administration within a higher education environment.
• Highly developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and accurate advice to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures and relevant legislation.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team, take initiative and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience planning, organising and coordinating projects, events or engagement activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and confidence working across digital communication platforms.
• A commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives, values and relevant policies, including health and safety responsibilities.

To Apply: Please submit your CV and respond to the three mandatory questions in the application form before 11.55pm, Thursday 17th September 2026. A copy of the position description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Pre-Employment Checks

You may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

Contact: Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Partner e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. 

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