Support strong research outcomes by delivering clear, practical and solutions‑focused contracting advice and contract development.
Full-time, permanent position with Base salary in the range $104,616 - $113,920 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)
Located at UQ Toowong, providing a flexible inner‑city workplace with easy access to Brisbane’s CBD and UQ’s St Lucia campus.
Join UQ’s Research Office as a Senior Research Contracts Officer and play a key role in enabling high‑impact research partnerships across UQ. In this influential role, you’ll support researchers to collaborate confidently with industry, government, and academic partners by providing clear, expert advice on a wide range of research agreements.
As part of a rapid response team, you’ll be involved in the development, negotiation and management of research contracts and tender/funding submission review, working collaboratively to remove barriers, manage risk and maintain momentum across projects. This fantastic opportunity also contributes to innovation through practical, solutions‑focused contracting support in a fast‑paced research environment.
Key responsibilities will include:
Lead the drafting, review and negotiation of a wide range of research and consultancy agreements, coordinating execution and ensuring alignment with UQ policies
Provide support to researchers with development and review of tender/funding application submissions
Provide trusted, expert advice to researchers, delivering timely, pragmatic and solutions‑focused support that enables successful research collaborations with partners
Mentor and support junior team members, overseeing risk‑based triaging and promoting a strong, customer‑centred approach to research contract management.
Drive continuous improvement by contributing to policy and process development, governance activities and initiatives that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of research contracting.
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, flexible start/finish times and purchased leave
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
An undergraduate or postgraduate qualification, or substantial relevant experience, in drafting, reviewing, negotiating and managing a high volume of agreements, preferably within research, medical or higher education environment.
Demonstrated expertise in research contract management, resolution of contractual issues and tender/funding application development and review, including drafting, negotiation, review and administration of research agreements and preparation of tender submissions/funding applications.
Highly developed project management skills, with the ability to work autonomously and strong analytical, prioritisation and time‑management capabilities.
Strong grasp of research governance and policy, with the confidence to interpret frameworks and provide clear, practical advice that supports compliant research activity.
Confident negotiator and strategic problem‑solver, skilled in managing risk, resolving complexity and influencing positive outcomes with internal and external partners.
Highly relationship‑driven, with a collaborative, customer‑focused approach that builds trust with researchers, sponsors and stakeholders.
Clear, confident communicator, able to navigate sensitive and high‑stakes matters with professionalism, sound judgement and discretion.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
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 Phil Smit, Research Contracts Manager, CCMO on p.smit@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; and
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, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. 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 8th May 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-63617).