"Senior Officer, Research Contracts"

• Join the dynamic and innovate Swinburne Research Contracts & Grants team
• Fulltime, ongoing position at our Hawthorn campus
• HEW 7 salary + 17% super

About the Role 

Swinburne is seeking a Senior Officer, Research Contracts to manage the review, negotiation, and execution of a range of research agreements, including research services, subcontracts, collaboration agreements, and confidentiality agreements. You will also provide advice on legal, financial, IP, and commercial matters related to research contracting.

In this role, you will support contract administration activities such as project scoping, costing, risk assessment, and record-keeping. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Research and Industry Contracts, you will contribute to improving contract processes and delivering training to researchers and support staff. This position is key to ensuring Swinburne’s contractual obligations are understood and upheld. Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills are essential, along with a solid understanding of research and project management.

About You  

To be suitable for this role you will need to have experience in the below key accountabilities: 

• Demonstrated experience in drafting, negotiating, advising on research contracts within the higher education or commercial or government environment
• Demonstrated understanding of key issues and risks associated with research and commercial contracts and the ability to identify, understand, and clearly articulate the implications of contract terms and risk
• Ability to apply initiative, judgment and problem-solving skills, particularly to issues in commercial contracting
• Commitment to the provision of quality service, with demonstrated ability to provide user friendly, responsive client service

Further information about this role can be found in the attached position description.

Qualifications

Completion of a relevant tertiary qualification with relevant experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training

About Swinburne University of Technology 

Swinburne’s strategy draws upon our understanding of future challenges. We choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship. We are committed to a differentiated university proposition in education and research.

Our Ad Astra strategy is the cornerstone of Swinburne’s bold ambition to lead globally in technology-driven education and research. This strategy positions us to create transformative solutions, empower learners, and partner with industry to thrive in an ever-changing world.  

What We Offer You!

• Work your way with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid options and generous parental leave to support a balanced lifestyle. 
• Exclusive staff discounts, including discounted Medibank health insurance, 50% off Swinburne courses and other partner offers.
• Swinburne offers 17% super and salary packaging options, including car leasing and extra super contributions.

Want to learn more? Head over to our benefits page!

To Apply 

Please submit your CV and cover letter addressing your suitability for this position. 

To review the Position Description and to apply, please scroll down to the bottom of the page. 

If you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to Swinburne’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Swinburne Talent Acquisition Team on talentacquisition@swin.edu.au

Applications Close: Sunday 15 February 2026, at 11.00pm   

Swinburne offers flexible working options contained in our leave and parenting/carer policies to support work-life balance.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Swinburne has become a world-class university, driving social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. As a dual-sector university, our vision is for people and technology working together to build a better world.

Central to our vision is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer focused on attracting, retaining, and developing great talent. We work to remove barriers related to gender identity, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our Moondani Toombadool Centre leads our Indigenous education and culture at Swinburne, guided by community wisdom and leadership.

We support applicants with disabilities. Adjustments can be requested at any time during the recruitment process. For Reasonable Adjustment requests, including accessible formats for the PD, application form or any other document, please contact at DCR@swin.edu.au or call +61 3 9214 3550.

Please note the above number and DCR email address are for disability or reasonable adjustments queries only. General enquires about the role can be sent to talentacquisition@swin.edu.au (general enquires will not be answered by phone).

Victoria’s Commitment to Action: Improving international student employment outcomes.

As a signatory to Victoria’s Commitment to Action, Swinburne seeks to remove barriers to international graduate employment. We welcome and encourage applications from international graduates. 

As a Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to responding to every applicant.

#LI-SWPlease click here for Position Description

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