Project Support Officer

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The School of Physics is one of the leading Physics schools in Australia. It offers a world class undergraduate physics degree, as well as a postgraduate PhD research program for over 50 students. 33 academic staff conduct theoretical and experimental research in quantum physics, astrophysics, fundamental physics; and condensed matter physics. UNSW is an international leader in quantum computing research and hosts the ARC Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology.

The Project Support Officer is responsible for supporting the recovery of research operations and assets following a significant incident of equipment damage in the School of Physics. This role will work closely with academic staff, UNSW Insurance, central professional services and external providers to resolve outstanding issues related to this incident and the associated insurance claim. This position plays a key role in supporting the impacted academic and technical staff in the school to ensure recovery activities are planned, prioritised and progressed efficiently, with accurate reporting, clear communication and sound administrative oversight.

This role requires strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to work effectively in a complex, time‑sensitive environment with multiple stakeholders.

About the role

• $103K - $110K plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Fixed term – 7 months
• Full-time (35 hours per week)

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Work with impacted teams to deliver accurate financial and impact reporting related to incident recovery, including equipment damage, research disruption, contractual impacts and student implications.
• Develop, maintain and update integrated recovery timelines to support the phased return to business‑as‑usual activities.
• In collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, coordinate and prioritise recovery activities, managing interdependencies and scheduling constraints.
• Provide regular, clear status reporting on progress, risks, issues and decisions, including written updates and meeting documentation.
• Support the administration of governance processes, including stakeholder meetings, documentation of decisions and approvals, and communication of outcomes to budget holders and authorised signatories.
• Liaise with equipment vendors, manufacturers and consultants to coordinate assessments, inspections and technical advice on damaged assets.
• Coordinate logistics and administration for equipment assessment, repair, replacement and interim hire arrangements, including quotations, purchase orders and site access.
• Support procurement and contract activities for repair, replacement and rental of equipment through UNSW systems, including preparation of decision support material for repair versus replacement options.
• Coordinate staffing, contractor access and external visits required to support recovery activities, including safety inductions, lab access and travel arrangements.
• Compile and maintain accurate records and documentation to support decision‑making, compliance requirements and final case closure reporting to UNSW Insurance.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the psychosocial or physical health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant
(Selection Criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• Sound stakeholder management skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications, particularly those relevant to UNSW procurement processes.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
• Project experience, with an understanding of the project life cycle and development of project plans, objectives and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.

Contact:
Katie McBean
E: ********@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: July 9th, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.

UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).