Research Systems Specialist

Overview

Are you an experienced enterprise systems specialist looking to make a meaningful impact? Do you want to contribute to key university priorities while developing deep expertise in research systems? The Strategy, Planning and Performance (SPP) team at the University of Newcastle is seeking a Research Systems Specialist to support a diverse range of initiatives across the University.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in enhancing systems, supporting users, and driving value through data and technology in a collaborative and forward thinking environment.

The role

We are seeking a proactive and detail oriented Research Systems Specialist to support the delivery and ongoing optimisation of our research systems. In this role, you will provide user support and system troubleshooting, ensuring reliable system performance. You will play a key role in coordinating system upgrades, conducting user acceptance testing, and working closely with central IT and external vendors to deliver patches and enhancements. You will also manage user access, maintain system databases, and ensure high data quality and integrity to support accurate reporting and decision making. Additionally, you will act as a data governance subject matter expert, providing guidance to stakeholders and supporting data access decisions for reporting and integrations.

What you'll do

• Administer research management systems, ensuring they are effectively maintained, adapted, and continuously improved.
• Plan and implement system enhancements and upgrades as required.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into clear, fit for purpose system requirements.
• Maintain research system databases, ensuring data quality and accuracy to support reporting and integration needs.
• Enable high quality business reporting through well governed, reliable data.
• Manage and resolve system related service requests, keeping stakeholders informed of progress and outcomes.
• Design and enhance smart application forms integrated with research systems to improve user experience.
• Gather integration requirements from business units and collaborate closely with the central IT team to deliver successful integration solutions.

About you

• Proven experience in enterprise level system administration within digital, systems, or process improvement environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate complex business needs into clear, actionable outcomes.
• A user centred mindset with a focus on enhancing experience and service delivery.
• Excellent analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• The ability to adapt quickly and work effectively across multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Experience with Office 365, Power Apps, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, and proficiency in Python, PySpark, SQL, or similar programming languages (desirable).
• Experience in higher education, large and complex organisations, or regulated environments is highly regarded, but not essential.

What we offer

• Attractive remuneration package and excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 17% super and salary packaging.
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme.
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
• Wellbeing programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply.