Manager, Research Contracts

Overview:
- Full-time, Continuing position- Salary HEW 9 + 17% Superannuation- Based at the Melbourne CBD campus, but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University
- About the Role
- The Manager, Research Contracts, reviews, negotiates and provides advice to internal stakeholders, in respect of competitive and commercial research related contracts entered into by the University.

These contracts relate to research projects undertaken by the University following a competitive grant process or via commercial negotiation process. They may include sub-contracting arrangements, collaborative research agreements, Co-operative Research Centre (CRCs) agreements, agreements relating to Centres of Excellence, and contract research agreements.

The position requires extensive liaison with internal and external stakeholders and operates with a high level of autonomy. You will work closely with our Legal Services team, to develop contracts which support research outcomes, whilst protecting the University from substantial risks.

To be successful in this position, you’ll have as a minimum:
- Experience advising upon and negotiating large scale contracts, whether within government or industry, including the ability to review, negotiate and advise on contracts to ensure excellent corporate and commercial outcomes.- Ability to negotiate with internal stakeholders and external stakeholders/clients to negotiate satisfactory outcomes in a prompt, efficient and professional manner.- Experience in assessing and managing legal risks and other contractual issues such as intellectual property, insurance and indemnities.- Contract coordination skills, including prioritising urgent deadlines; organising self and others to meet critical deadlines; ensuring multiple tasks are progressed and completed; ensuring detailed arrangements are made and implemented; ensuring processes and arrangements are economical and contribute to project financial viability.- Expertise in establishing and maintaining strong professional relationships and effective networks with internal and external stakeholders - including industry and government.- Demonstrated leadership capabilities including the ability to positively influence outcomes and the ability to support and mentor junior team members.- Solid understanding of contract law.

Preferential:
- Demonstrated commercial acumen - the ability to assess a commercial deal, and suggest viable alternatives and to effectively assess the commercial implications of such a project- Experience in business planning and development, preparing business cases and reports and demonstrated ability to use and manipulate data from large corporate databases.- Prior management experience- A legal degree- A demonstrated understanding of the role of research and its importance to Universities will be highly regarded.

About the Research and Innovation Portfolio
- RMIT’s Research and Innovation Portfolio supports researchers to help shape the world. The portfolio has an engaged, energetic, talented and collaborative team focused on enabling excellent research and innovation outcomes. With a global presence, community and industry connections, we support cutting-edge research and careers that make a positive impact on communities.

The Research and Innovation Portfolio supports researchers and graduate researchers with research partnerships, grants and research contracts, funding opportunities, capability development, research training, ethics and integrity, intellectual property, commercialisation, internships, communication and profile.

Find out more about research and innovation at RMIT University and the Research and Innovation Portfolio at:
To Apply
- Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.

Position Description - Manager, Research Contracts

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Applications Close:
10 June 2025 11.59 pm
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