Manager, Research Neuroscience and Pain

• Part time (0.5FTE) fixed term for 12 months (potential extension for 12 months) based at St Leonards, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health

• Opportunity to shape the future of neuroscience and pain research by collaborating with experts across fields, driving impactful projects, and supporting groundbreaking research that makes a difference

• Base Salary $121,508 - $137,032 (pro-rata) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Kolling Institute is the longest running research organisation in NSW, bringing together a large, talented team driven by a common goal to help diagnose, prevent and treat disease, and improve the care our community receives. The Kolling Institute is part of the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, located in the Northern Sydney (Arabanoo) Precinct.

The Kolling Institute is seeking a dynamic and strategic Research Manager to lead initiatives within the Neuroscience and Pain Priority Research Area (NaP PRA). This role will focus on developing and executing plans to increase funding for neuroscience and pain research. You’ll work collaboratively with the NaP PRA Co-Chairs and members, leveraging internal and external partnerships to drive the success of this critical area.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• design and lead the strategic direction for funding opportunities, identifying suitable schemes and collaboration avenues

• guide NaP PRA members in the preparation, review, and submission of funding applications, ensuring alignment with organsational goals and timelines

• prepare and present progress and annual reports to key committees and stakeholders, ensuring transparent governance and effective communication

• build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including NSW Health, university affiliates, and funding bodies

• oversee financial and administrative aspects of awarded grants, including budget management, reporting, and compliance

• work with media and communications teams to promote the achievements of the Neuroscience and Pain PRA, amplifying its profile to attract further funding

• take on relevant additional projects as required by the management team.

About you

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field or equivalent experience (Health and Science)

• demonstrated experience in the higher education or tertiary sector and familiarity with complex organisational structures

• proven expertise in managing funding processes, including grant preparation, financial oversight, and stakeholder collaboration. Financial management and experience with clinical trial budgets, securing funding, and financial reporting is desirable

• ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with sound judgment and excellent organisational skills

• strong analytical, financial management, and data analysis skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail

• exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing abilities, particularly in the context of grant submissions and report writing

• significant experience with health and medical research partners, ideally within a research-intensive, higher education environment is desirable

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires valid work rights for Australia.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

As this position is located on an NSW Health site, it is a regulatory requirement to complete compulsory employment checks prior to starting in this position. For more information and instructions, please visit:NSW Health employment requirements

EEO statement 

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