• Research Office

• Full-time, permanent position

• Base salary will be in the range $111,154 - $124,619 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8) 

• Based at our St. Lucia Campus 

About This Opportunity  

Join the University of Queensland (UQ) as a Research Contracts Manager and play a crucial role in enhancing research collaboration. In this dynamic position, you will lead a team responsible for the efficient development and review of research-related agreements, enabling UQ researchers to engage swiftly with partners and deliver impactful projects.

As the Research Contracts Manager, you will oversee the preparation, negotiation, and execution of a wide variety of contracts supporting university research and consultancies.. Your expertise will ensure exceptional service delivery while managing risk and safeguarding UQ’s interests.

You will build strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, providing guidance on complex contractual issues and collaborating with colleagues across the UQ R&I portfolio, UQ central functions and with , UniQuest and Faculty and Institute professional and academic staff to align agreements with university policies and research needs. Your negotiation skills will be essential in navigating diverse partnership environments.

This role is ideal for an experienced contract manager with a background in the research and/or university sector, government or a commercial environment. You will thrive in a collaborative atmosphere where your leadership can drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
 

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Lead a team responsible for the establishment, review, negotiation and coordination of the execution of research funded and non-funded contracts relating to UQ research activities in a timely and effective manner, in accordance with UQ policies, UQ risk appetite and the requirements of individual partners and sponsors.

• Deliver exceptional customer service coupled with a proactive attitude to meet and exceed the needs of the customer, providing subject matter expertise and timely advice, whilst liaising with other areas across UQ, such as Legal Services and Governance and Risk, as necessary.

• Build and sustain partnerships and networks with other business units, functional areas, internal and external stakeholders, including contributing to projects and cross-functional initiatives.

• Contribute to projects, business initiatives, policy review and development, governance matters, compliance and performance reporting, as required

About UQ 

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.  

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community. 

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as: 

• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave 

• 17% superannuation contributions 

• 17.5% annual leave loading 

• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight 

• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family 

• UQ Study for Staff 

• On campus childcare options 

• Affordable parking (from just $5.75 a day) 

• Salary packaging options 

About You

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline, along with extensive contract management experience in the research sector, government, or commercial environments.

• A sophisticated understanding of commercial and intellectual property issues, with demonstrated experience in reviewing, negotiating, and executing legal contracts and agreements.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a high workflow unit effectively while ensuring timely and efficient service delivery in a complex regulatory environment.

• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, with demonstrated experience leading, managing, and developing staff in an environment focused on operational excellence and service enhancement.

• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across various levels of staff and external partners, leveraging strong communication and interpersonal skills to achieve business outcomes.

• Exceptional negotiation and influencing skills, with the capability to navigate diverse internal and external partnership environments successfully.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check.

Work Rights: 

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Questions?  

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Rachel Axon | Associate Director, Research Commercial Management at [email protected]. 

For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.  
 

Want to Apply?  

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered: 

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section   

• Resume  

Other Information  

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.  

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments. 

Applications close the 20th of November 2024 at 11.00pm AEST (R-44583). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week of the 25th of November 2024.