Project Administrator

Reference Number: 1697334
About the Team: Radio Astronomy applies ‘STEM’ based disciplines to capture and analyse ultra-faint signals from the universe.  In doing this, we push the boundaries of technology and techniques in electromagnetics, signal processing, software development, and radio frequency communications.

The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) and The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) deliver a dedicated Translation and Impact program (T&I) to support the translation of our core astronomy and engineering expertise, skills, knowledge, and technology for impact in industries like space and defence - to name a few. The T&I team enables ICRAR’s technical staff to deliver impact by providing broad support to the technical experts who deliver on collaborative projects. 
About the Role:
As Project Administrator, you will provide high level administrative and operational project support to the T&I program and individual industry-research projects, assisting with the development, coordination, and implementation of project deliverables under the guidance of the project lead.

To excel in providing operational project support, you will draw on previous exposure to a technical or scientific discipline to understand CIRA’s engineering capabilities. 

As part of the multi-disciplinary T&I team, you will engage with diverse stakeholders – from academic researchers and students (engineers, astronomers, data scientists, software developers) – to industry and government professionals (including defence, space, computing, resources, climate, weather, environment).To succeed in this, you will need to be responsive and service oriented, with strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent attention to detail. 
  
Administratively, you will support the T&I program and industry research projects with excellent organisational skills, attention to detail in document management, planning and tracking activities for reporting purposes, and ensuring quality and accuracy in all communications.  You will be responsible for creating materials which are visually compelling, and tailored to relevant audiences. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating and preparing regular and ad hoc project reports, e.g. status reports and end of month reporting requirements, such as project forecasting expenditure information and accruals.
• Maintaining project registers, databases, artefacts and documentation.
• Liaising with relevant external stakeholders and University service functions (e.g. People and Culture, Financial Services) to ensure relevant actions are completed.
• Working under the guidance of the project lead to support technical project delivery teams with: field trip preparation and logistics, including assistance in preparing risk assessments and safety protocols; procurement of technical services and supplies; and preparation of documents required for the export of certain technical goods and services, including Defence Export Controls and other customs requirements, ensuring compliance with Curtin University policies and procedures.
• Liaising with project teams to facilitate data capture and verifying milestones/activity.
• Facilitating information flow, administering communications and correspondence and distributing visually compelling and precise information in a professional and timely manner.

Who We Are Looking For (Selection Criteria): We are looking for someone personable and driven who may see this as an opportunity to advance their project or program management aspirations. 

In this role, your previous exposure to a physical science, computing, or engineering discipline will complement your business administration and operations support.  

You will be comfortable working alongside technical subject matter experts to understand and communicate effectively our industry-relevant capabilities. 

Additionally, you will demonstrate skills and experience in the following Essential Criteria:

1. Demonstrated ability to gather, synthesise, and present written and visually compelling material for a variety of audiences.
2. Completion of a relevant degree; or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience and/or education/training.
3. Demonstrated excellent organisational skills with the ability to organise time and work activities according to priorities and to meet deadlines.
4. Demonstrated interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to consult and liaise effectively with a diverse range of people and with cross cultural sensitivity.
5. Demonstrated effective written communication skills with the ability to construct clear and concise correspondence and documentation.
6. Proven ability to work well in a team, including respecting difference, leading, supporting others, accepting direction, and working to group goals.
7. Demonstrated research and problem-solving skills.

Role Requirements:

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role to be considered.
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction
• This is a part-time role – up to 0.6FTE; we will consider requests for flexible working hours including requests to work over 3 to 5 days a week.

Your new Team – CIRA:
The Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA) is a multi-disciplinary research institute engaged in a range of projects involving or motivated by radio astronomy. CIRA’s activities draw together academic research and professional staff from a variety of science, engineering, and computing disciplines to tackle unique and demanding challenges in astronomy and non-astronomy domains. Committed to research translation and impact (T&I), CIRA is committed to engaging with partners to share our skills, knowledge, and expertise for mutual benefit and impact beyond astronomy.

CIRA is the lead organisation and operator of the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), a key participant in the international SKA Project. CIRA is also the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) which was established in 2009, and one of the largest and most enduring academic research initiatives in Western Australia.

CIRA celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all cultures, races, nationalities, genders, identities, and abilities aligning with the selection criteria, and are committed to preserving our principles of equitable and inclusive work and study environments.
  
To learn more about CIRA, please visit the below websites:
https://research.curtin.edu.au/cira/
www.icrar.org
 
About Curtin University 
We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/  

What We Offer You: 
This fixed term, part-time G05 level role attracts a remuneration of $85,781 - $93,836 (pro rata at 0.6 FTE) + 17% superannuation. 

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. 

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/  

Join Us! 
If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents:  

• Up to date resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest, experience and addressing the section criteria for the role (no more than two pages)

Applications close: 8pm, Monday, 9 November 2026

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on [email protected] or [08 9266 9000](tel:08 9266 9000) (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Applications will not be accepted via this email address, and late applications will not be accepted. 
 
Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.  

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.