Research Contracts Specialist

Join to apply for the Research Contracts Specialist role at Deakin University

Based at our Melbourne, Burwood or Geelong, Waurn Ponds Campus + hybrid work arrangements. Full-time and continuing.

Benefits for working with us

At Deakin, we offer more than just a job — we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, you'll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafes, accessible public transport, and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional time off, plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and inclusive, supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow — whether you're working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life.

About the role:

The Research Contracts Specialist supports Deakin's leading research by coordinating the formation, negotiation and execution of a wide range of research contracts with industry, other universities, funding organisations, government departments and other relevant stakeholders, ensuring efficient processes, communication and documentation throughout the contract lifecycle.

As a Research Contracts Specialist, you will:

• Prepare a wide range of research-related contracts with other universities, research institutes, industry partners, government and community groups.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with Deakin University's partners across industry, government, community and the research sector to ensure efficient management of successful applications and to build and protect the University's reputation with external funding bodies.
• Project manage the review, drafting and execution of contracts, including high-value, multi-party agreements to ensure timely completion.
• Prepare recommendations on risk management and compliance regarding Deakin's policies, procedures, and requirements to enable informed decisions on the execution of competitive and commercial contracts.
• Review, draft, and negotiate a range of competitive and commercial research agreements ensuring the contractual terms and conditions are compliant with University policies, processes, and requirements.

To be successful, you'll have:

• Postgraduate qualifications or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or
• Extensive experience and management expertise; or
• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in commercial principles relating to contracts including risk analysis and project costing within a university or other research organisation.
• Established track record in providing strategic advice on contracts to researchers, including IP management, publication and the distribution of risk and liability.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills and demonstrable performance in a role requiring a high level of attention to detail.

Here's how to apply:

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Andrew Gaff (Senior Manager, Research Contracts) on andrew.gaff@deakin.edu.au

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

PD - Specialist, Research Contracts - 576554.pdf

Applications for this position close on Sunday, 21 September 2025.

Who are we?

Deakin is a cutting-edge public university headquartered in Victoria, revolutionising education with 61,000 students across our campuses: Melbourne Burwood, Geelong Waurn Ponds, Geelong Waterfront, Warrnambool, Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia (DLI), GIFT City, India, and our vibrant online environment. We're proud to be a progressive and open-minded university, delivering the highest student satisfaction in Victoria and consistently ranked in the top 1% of the world's universities.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Administrative, Research, and Legal
• Industries: Higher Education

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Deakin University by 2x

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

For a copy of the position description, please see the PD linked above. Applications close Sunday, 21 September 2025.