Senior Contracts Advisor

• Join our high performing and motivated Research Services team
• Full time, Continuing position 
• The position is located at our Footscray Park Campus

About Us:

At Victoria University (VU), our aim is to be a global leader in dual-sector learning and research by 2028. Join us on the journey and help us achieve our strategic drives embedded in our Strategic Plan : Start well, finish brilliantly. One of the drivers "Thriving place to Study and Work" will enable us to continue to create places that our students and staff love to belong and feel immense pride.

About the Team:

The Senior Research Contract Advisor position is based in the Research Services Office, within Victoria University (VU).  VU Research has the mandate to oversee a university-wide approach for enhancing the quality and impact of research and research training at VU.    Research Services comprises of three main teams, Research Funding, Contracts and Development; Research Performance, Reporting and Infrastructure and Research Governance.  

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Contract Advisor to play a key part in advancing our Research and Impact plan (2023 – 2028) 

You will lead the process for the triage, and approval of research related contracts and agreements entered into by Victoria University. This position will work closely with the Office of the General Counsel, the University's in-house legal team, to ensure the provision of legal advice for research-related matters. 

You will lead and contribute to process improvements to contracting business processes, manages internal communications on the contracts function, and oversee data integrity and verification to support effective reporting and operational decision-making.

This is a full time, continuing position at a Hep 8 classification with a salary range of $ $110,100 - $123,987 per annum plus17% employer superannuation working 36.75 hours per week. 

Key Duties 

• Work with researchers, senior leaders and the Office of the General Counsel to support and oversee the drafting, review, negotiation and execution of a variety of contracts including, but not limited to, research collaboration, grant and funding, consultancy, services, material transfer, variations, novation, non-disclosure, and sub-contract agreements.
• Liaise with the Office of the General Counsel to obtain legal advice on contracts, including risks, obligations and implications, and compliance with University requirements), and prepare recommendations for contract signing.
• Coordinate, track and monitor contracts (both pre and post execution), and maintain accurate records in University systems to support Research operations and provide reports on research activity as required.
• Finalise and manage low-risk contract variations and agreements using pre-approved templates, ensuring compliance with internal processes and risk frameworks.
• Undertake compliance checks and due diligence relating to potential partners, funding, and contractual terms (e.g. in relation to foreign interference, sanctions, export controls and ethics) for proposed projects and tenders with partner / funding organisations.
• Contribute to and promote continual process improvements and innovative, efficient and timely delivery of services to key stakeholders, while staying aligned with best practice.

About You:

As a Senior Research Contract Advisor, you'll bring a keen eye for detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate complex contractual and policy environment with confidence.  You'll be a clear communicator who can translate legal and technical concepts into practical guidance for researchers and partners.   Your proactive, solution-focussed approach and sound judgement will enable you to balance compliance with flexibility, supporting high-quality research outcomes.  Working well with others, taking initiative, and providing excellent service will help you do well in this fast-paced role.

Why Join Us:

VU provides competitive salaries, excellent superannuation, and a variety of benefits. The university fosters an environment where staff can excel, achieve their goals, and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, and family-friendly policies, VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information, please visit our Jobs at VU Webpage

How to apply:

For a copy of the Position Description, please click HERE. 

Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising:

• A cover letter
• Your curriculum vitae/resume
• Your responses addressing all selection criteria located in the position description
• Evidence of applicable qualifications, licences and registration if applicable

Note: Applications which do not address the selection criteria will NOT be considered.

Application Closing Date: 11:59pm Sunday 9th November 2025. 

For more information please contact Fiona Smith, Senior Manager Research Funding and Development, at   

Our Commitment to Protecting Country: 

Victoria University honours its deep diversity as a foundation for collaboration and social progress. We will demonstrate sensitivity in respecting First Nation perspectives. We will ensure that we respect our Indigenous voices and commit to sustainable Protecting Country. We will take leadership responsibility, in all that we do, to improve the health and wellbeing of our local and global communities, and the planet that we share. 

Our Commitment to Progressive Inclusivity

VU is an equal opportunity employer and proudly committed to progressive inclusivity. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and racially marginalised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. We strive to reflect the communities we serve and foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. We are proud be an WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

Our Committed to Inclusive Recruitment

VU is committed to providing a positive and barrier-free recruitment experience. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including accessible formats of documents, please contact us at  or call