Research Contracts Support Officer

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university.  You'll find we're about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you'll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

The Office for Research delivers professional research support services with functions spanning grants, research development, research ethics and integrity, research outputs, and performance reporting.  The team works closely with academic colleagues and senior managers to address research priorities across the University and provide high-level strategic and administrative support to Griffith researchers in all disciplines and career stages.

We are seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented and efficient Research Contracts Support Officer to join our team in Brisbane South (Nathan). In this role, you will play a crucial part in supporting the research activities of our organisation by managing research contracts, grants, and related administrative processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate and support the negotiation of research grant contracts, with a focus on Health and Hospital Service agreements, escalating complex or sensitive matters to the Research Contracts Manager for advice as required. This includes liaison with external granting agencies, regional Health and Hospital offices, partner research organisations, industry partners and researchers.
• Support the University's compliance with contractual obligations by ensuring contract provisions align with established policies, standards, risk management frameworks.
• Liaise with other administrative areas of the University, in particular Research Ethics, Legal Services, Insurance and Finance, to support the efficient and effective negotiation and administration of research grants contracts
• Advise on conflicts with university policy or procedural complexities, and provide recommendations to the University's delegated authorities to support agreement execution.
• Facilitate process improvements to enhance team efficiency, including maintaining accurate records, developing and updating procedures, and leveraging systems and tools to support reporting and decision-making

About you

The successful candidate will hold relevant tertiary qualifications and subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and supporting the negotiation of research grant contracts, particularly within the health and hospital sector, including effective liaison with external agencies, partner organisations, and internal stakeholders.
• Sound knowledge of, and ability to interpret and apply, contractual obligations, policies, standards, and risk management frameworks relevant to research grants administration.
• Proven ability to collaborate with diverse administrative areas (e.g., Research Ethics, Legal, Insurance, Finance) to facilitate the efficient negotiation and administration of research contracts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to advise on policy conflicts, procedural complexities, and to provide clear recommendations to senior decision-makers.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, including maintaining accurate records, developing and updating procedures, and leveraging systems and tools to support reporting and decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and negotiate positive outcomes with a wide range of stakeholders.

What we can offer

This is a fixed term (two years), 50% part-time position primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University's campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range

The full-time equivalent base salary for a HEW Level 6 is in the range $91,843 - $97,964 per annum, plus 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $107,456 - $114,618 per annum.

Why Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply

At Griffith, we're committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you're from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith's Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Hamish Townsend, Research Contracts Manager, Office for Research at [email protected].

For application support, please contact People Services on and quote reference number REF8577F.

Closing date:  Friday, 31 October 2025 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.