Research Contracts Specialist

PRIMARY DETAIL
- Annual base salary from $$119,056 - $132,475 (HEW Level 8 ) plus 17%
employer’s superannuation contribution and annual leave loading.
- Two full time, fixed-term positions available, ending 31st of May 2026.
- Flexible working arrangement and supportive team, based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal campus, North Ryde

The Roles

This role is perfectly suited to someone with research post award experience and a strong understanding of the legal requirements underpinning university-related research. This role will manage a range of research contracts negotiations from Category 1 funded grants to industry funded projects and everything in between.
- Key Accountabilities of this role include:_- Draft, review and negotiate in a timely manner a range of research, research-related, consultancy and research commercialisation contracts, ensuring the terms are compliant with external investment rules (if applicable) and University policies and requirements.- Provide contractual advice regarding research contracts and partnerships to researchers and professional services staff.- Effectively manage a busy caseload of research and research related contracts from conception to execution.- Take a pragmatic, commercially aware approach to managing contractual risks associated with research, research-related and commercialisation contracts.- Perform due diligence, in consultation with the National Security and Defence Manager on external partners to ensure compliance with Commonwealth legislation relating to foreign interference and national security legislation.- Liaise with external funding agencies, business partners, research collaborators and external peer networks to inform and enable best practice in research agreement negotiation and execution.- Liaise with key internal stakeholders to enable efficient and streamlined contract management processes.
- About Us_

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, it was established as a bold experiment in higher education and designed to break from educational traditions to work in tandem with industry. Institutionally we strive for the extraordinary by challenging convention and embracing different views. Our pioneering culture has encouraged and inspired students, staff and collaborators to break free from conventional thinking, and to actively shape the complex issues that define the future of humanity.
- To Apply_

To be considered for this role, applicants MUST address the below selection criteria in NO MORE than two pages. Applicants who fail to respond to the criteria risk not being considered for interview/appointment.
- Selection Criteria_- Demonstration of having a strong understanding of the contractual arrangements that accompany research, preferably within the higher education sector or an equivalent- Proven ability to draft, review and critique a wide range of draft research funding agreements and to provide clear, concise feedback and advice to stakeholders.- Demonstrated ability to work systematically and simultaneously on multiple projects with different levels of priority and complexity, whilst meeting deadlines in a timely manner.- Demonstrated capacity to perform due diligence on matters to ensure compliance with relevant internal and external policies, such as internal IP policies and external legislation pertaining to foreign interference.- A relevant tertiary qualification in law or equivalent combination of qualifications and relevant work experience.
- Desirable_- A strong understanding of IP protection, filing and commercialisation processes, strategies and related legal agreements and their negotiation.

Application Close Date: Thursday 29th of May at 11:59pm (AEST)

Why work at Macquarie?

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability.

Our prime location, we are walking distance from Macquarie University Metro Station and Macquarie Shopping Centre. Not only are we close, look at our benefits on offer:
- 17% Superannuation- Subsidised onsite parking options- Flexible working options- Training and professional development- Onsite childcare facilities- Discounted health insurance (Medibank)- Onsite vacation care- Employee Assistance Program- Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre- Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics

Applications Close:
29/05/2025 11:59 PM

Diversity and Inclusion
- Innovation and ingenuity thrive at Macquarie University when diversity, equity and inclusion take centre stage. At the University, we embrace a culture where diversity of background, experience and perspective are fundamental to our success.
- We do not discriminate on gender identity, age, culture, disability, sexuality, Indigeneity, family and caring responsibilities or religion.
- Flexible