Contracts Officer

Role type: Full Time; Fixed Term (12 Months)
Department: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation
Salary: UOM 6 - $100,847 - $109,163 p.a. plus 17% super

• Specialist contracts role enabling high-impact research / Diverse university, industry and government partners / Supportive, development-focused RIC team
• Apply now to advance your contracts career while enabling transformative research partnerships across a leading global university.
• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.
Your next career opportunity:
In this role, you will shape research and commercial partnerships through expert contract negotiation and management.
You will support academics and partners to finalise robust agreements that enable impactful, real-world innovation.
What you will deliver:

• Review, draft, negotiate and finalise research and commercial engagement agreements, seeking legal advice where appropriate.
• Coordinate internal approvals and delegate signatures to ensure contracts are executed accurately and within required timeframes.
• Build productive relationships with researchers, RIC colleagues, faculty staff and external partners to streamline contracting processes.
• Monitor, track and report contract status, providing timely updates and issue escalation to senior team members.
• Support, guide and buddy junior or new contracts staff, sharing knowledge and fostering consistent best practice.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a law degree and bring experience drafting, negotiating and advising on commercial or government contracts.
• Demonstrate solid knowledge of contract law and commercial contracting principles in practice.
• Communicate complex contractual issues clearly, tailoring explanations for academics, professional staff and external stakeholders.
• Manage competing priorities, plan effectively and meet deadlines across a diverse portfolio of matters.
• Collaborate constructively within a team environment and contribute to shared goals and continuous improvement.
• Apply sound judgement and problem-solving skills to balance risk, compliance and research or commercial objectives.

What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!
Your new team:
You will join Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, a specialist Chancellery team enabling the University’s research mission.
The team partners with academics, industry, government and funders to support funding proposals, contracts and commercialisation pathways.
You will work within a collaborative, feedback-oriented culture that values service excellence, professional growth and innovation.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.
We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at korin-korin@unimelb.edu.au
Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role
• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, contact Rachel Oldham rachel.oldham@unimelb.edu.au
• For questions related to our recruitment process email Alessandro Storani at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au
• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.
Applications close: Thursday 7 May 2026 - 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.
Position Description: PD_JR-012372 Contracts Officer .docx