Project Manager (Research Coordination)

Role overview

This is a full-time, fixed-term Project Manager position based at the City East campus, working within IPAS and the College of Science. The contract runs for 18 months and sits at the intersection of research delivery, stakeholder coordination and project governance.

About Adelaide University

Adelaide University is focused on creating opportunities for people to achieve ambitious goals. The university is undergoing transformation to support modern learners and global citizens, building on a strong legacy and a commitment to excellence, equity and meaningful impact.

What this role involves

In this position, you will work with a high level of independence to support research teams across the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS). You will help coordinate industry-, government- and defence-funded research projects, ensuring work is started, planned, recruited for, tracked, reported and delivered in line with sponsor expectations.

You will also coordinate grant submissions, sponsor communications, contract administration, project records and compliance tasks. A key part of the job is acting as a communication bridge between research teams, clients and external partners so that project activity stays clear, timely and aligned.

The role also includes building project master plans, schedules and monitoring tools to strengthen resource planning, milestone management and delivery against time and budget targets. You will support budget tracking, financial reporting and business analysis, identify risks, and recommend actions to support decision-making.

Working with industry, defence and government partners as well as internal university stakeholders, you will help develop strategic relationships, support business development, improve processes and promote research activity through engagement and communication initiatives.

The team and environment

IPAS conducts research across physics, materials science, chemistry, biology and medicine, with a strong focus on translating research into practical outcomes and new products. The institute collaborates with more than 50 companies and aims to create new tools, industries and transdisciplinary problem-solving capability.

Although this role reports to the Institute Manager in the Research and Innovation Portfolio, it works closely with the College of Science and the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences. The environment is collaborative, practical and learning-focused, with plenty of variety and interaction across different people and projects.

Skills and experience needed

Applicants should bring strong project delivery capability, stakeholder management experience and the confidence to work independently in a complex environment. Experience in higher education is helpful but not essential.

Application and employment details

This appointment is offered as a full-time role for 18 months. The salary range is $114,151 to $128,065 per year, plus 17% superannuation. The university may close the advertisement early if a suitable candidate is found.

To apply, candidates need to submit a current CV and a cover letter describing how their experience matches the role.

Inclusion and flexibility

Adelaide University promotes an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and people are treated with respect. Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people of all ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and gender identities. Flexible work arrangements and reasonable adjustments are supported during recruitment.

Eligibility

Applications are open to Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents and people who have the legal right to work in Australia for the full term of the appointment.

Contact

For further information, please use reference number 492741 and contact Jessica De Lorenzo, Team Lead, Talent Acquisitions, at +61 8 8302 1700 or careers.adelaideuniversity@adelaide.edu.au.