Research Officer

About the role

The Research Officer is responsible for coordinating and providing administrative, executive and governance support to the ARA Research Committee, including assisting with the management and administration of ARA grants and awards, supporting implementation of the ARA Research Strategic Plan, contributing to ARA's strategic positioning for the MSK MRFF Mission due to commence in 2028, and assisting with planning for the Early Career Group Research Day every second year. Working with a high level of independence as part of a small, collaborative team, the role will help ensure research activities are well coordinated, compliant, accurately documented, and progressing in line with agreed timelines.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate Research Committee meeting logistics, including agendas and papers, meeting invitations, minutes and action tracking, and follow-up of decisions.

• Maintain conflict of interest registers.

• Support committee rotations and recruitment processes.

• Prepare agendas, minutes and reports as required.

• Support the ARA Research Committee with the management and administration of ARA grants and awards, including guidelines, documentation, review processes, records, policies and procedures.

• Support ARA's strategic planning and positioning for the MSK MRFF Mission due to commence in 2028, including identifying relevant priorities, partnership opportunities, member engagement opportunities and advocacy requirements.

• Coordinate the transition of ARA Research Fund website content to the ARA website and maintain the research section on an ongoing basis.

• Coordinate components of ARA grants and awards processes, from planning and documentation through to application support, review coordination, milestone tracking, reporting and acquittal processes.

• Maintain accurate research-related records, including governance documentation, templates, risk registers, grant and award records, and correspondence.

• Support research funding, grant and award rounds, including preparation of documentation, coordination of application and review processes, and communication with applicants and assessors.

About you

• Minimum 3–5 years' experience in program coordination, administration, grants administration or project support.

• Experience supporting Boards and/or committees.

• A strong interest in research, health policy, public health or medical education.

• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and to meet deadlines in a remote work environment.

• Strong membership or stakeholder service focus.

• High level of discretion and professionalism.

• High-level written and verbal communication skills.

• Confidence communicating with members, researchers, committee members and external stakeholders.

• Experience managing databases, CRMs and digital systems, with a strong commitment to data accuracy and confidentiality.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe applications.

• Suitable home office environment, including reliable internet access and the ability to work effectively in a remote setting.

About us

The Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) is the peak body representing rheumatologists, nurses, and other health practitioners and researchers with an interest in rheumatology. Rheumatology is a broad medical discipline that leads the management of both common arthritic diseases such as osteoarthritis and back pain, as well as less common autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis. The ARA is supported by a small, dynamic team and governed by a Board comprised of elected representatives including a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and State Branch Presidents.

Employment Details

Fixed-term contract for 12 months, 2 days per week (0.4 FTE), with potential scope for additional hours in the future depending on organisational requirements, available funding and performance.

Benefits

• Remuneration $80,000 per annum FTE ($32,000 for 0.4 FTE)

• Superannuation at 12%

• Salary packaging

• Laptop provided

• Home office allowance provided

Applications Close: 30 September 2026