This is a full-time, permanent position
Salary will be in the range $158,301 - $167,405, including 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 9)
The total salary package may be negotiable commensurate on experience
Based at our picturesque St Lucia campus
An exceptional opportunity awaits an experienced Senior Legal Counsel (Research and Intellectual Property) to join UQ’s Legal Services Division, where your legal expertise will directly support one of Australia’s leading universities.
In this pivotal role, you will provide high-level legal and strategic advice across commercial, contractual, and intellectual property matters arising from UQ’s diverse research activities. You will also contribute to a wide range of legal issues affecting the University more broadly, offering meaningful variety and impact.
While your primary focus will be on research and intellectual property, the role provides the opportunity to support other legal streams as needed, aligned with client priorities and guided by the Director (Research and IP) and the General Counsel.
As a senior member of UQ’s Legal Services team, you will work within a supportive, collaborative in-house environment. You will supervise and mentor junior and mid-level lawyers, lead strategic initiatives that support the General Counsel, and help cultivate a high-performing team culture. You will also play an active role in enhancing systems, processes, and service delivery through continuous improvement initiatives.
Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: (Maximum 3-4 points)
Provide timely, high-quality legal advice to the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Operating Officer, other executive management and key decision makers across UQ.
Provide legal advice on a broad range of issues affecting UQ, including contract and commercial law, intellectual property and commercialisation, confidentiality, privacy, competition and consumer law, conflict of laws, administrative law, and student-related matters.
Provide legal advice in relation to the development and implementation of policies and procedures, and in relation to legislative programs, as required.
Manage the provision of legal services outsourced to external legal providers (private law firms and counsel) to ensure value for money, quality and timeliness of work produced.
For a full copy of the position description, please contact talent@uq.edu.au
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:
Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options
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
Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
On campus childcare options
Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
Salary packaging options
The successful applicant must be admitted as a Solicitor or Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland, with demonstrated relevant expertise and experience (for example, a minimum of 7 years post admission experience is preferred). Additionally, you will demonstrate:
Extensive commercial and contract law experience, including advising on complex projects.
Demonstrated ability to draft a variety of legal documents and resolve complex legal issues.
Strong leadership skills in supervising and mentoring junior and mid-level lawyers to deliver high-quality legal advice.
Achieves results through sound judgement, commercial acumen, and solution-focused approach.
Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Positive and flexible attitude towards change and uncertainty, seeking guidance when required.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively negotiate and liaise with diverse stakeholders.
Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with team members and external stakeholders.
Strong time management and organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and under the direction of senior lawyers.
Understanding of strategic objectives and able to anticipate priorities.
Demonstrates personal drive and integrity, providing impartial and forthright advice, and remaining positive and responsive under pressure.
Understanding of the legislative framework applicable to UQ.
Experience in joint party or collaborative agreements in health or education sectors.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ms Elise Neilson or Ms Cristy Sun, Legal Services (Research and Intellectual Property) Directors on ripdlegalservices@uq.edu.au.
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section
Our strength 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. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
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.
Applications close Sunday, 7 December 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58628).
Applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The University of Queensland reserves the right to close this application process early.