Research Office
Full-time, permanent position
Base salary will be in the range $115,645 - $129,654+ 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
Based at our Toowong Site

About This Opportunity

Are you ready to play a key role at the heart of UQ’s research success? As Research Contracts Manager, you will lead a specialist team dedicated to delivering fast, effective and high-quality research contract services. This pivotal role ensures that UQ researchers and their partners can collaborate with confidence, supported by timely agreements that balance innovation with risk management.

You will oversee the negotiation, preparation and execution of a wide range of research contracts, from collaborative agreements and consultancy contracts to data access and material transfer agreements. By combining your expertise in contract management with strong leadership, you will enhance UQ’s ability to secure impactful partnerships and advance world-class research.

This is a unique opportunity to shape how UQ engages with its research partners, drive continuous improvements in service delivery, and make a meaningful contribution to advancing discovery and innovation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead a high-performing team to deliver timely and effective research contract management services.
• Review, negotiate and execute a broad range of research agreements, ensuring compliance and appropriate risk management.
• Provide expert contractual advice and foster strong relationships with researchers, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes and service delivery to support UQ’s research and collaboration goals.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
• 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• Career development opportunities – access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
• Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

• Postgraduate qualifications and/or extensive experience in contract management within a research, government or commercial environment.
• Strong knowledge of commercial and intellectual property issues, with demonstrated ability to review and negotiate complex contracts.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage, mentor and develop a high-performing team.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills across diverse and complex environments.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, with a track record of meeting deadlines in high-volume settings.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality documentation and provide strategic advice.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Rachel Axon, Associate Director, Research Commercial Management at r.axon@uq.edu.au

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

Applications close Friday 3 October 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-55252). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Thursday 16 October 2025.