Senior Research Contracts Officer

Join a leading Australian university in a specialist contracting role supporting significant research initiatives, commercial partnerships and industry collaboration.
  
What's on Offer?

• Competitive Remuneration: $70.51 per hour + 12% superannuation, paid weekly
• Extension Potential: Initial two-month temporary contract with the possibility of up to a further 12 months.
• Interesting Contractual Work: Exposure to a diverse range of agreements supporting significant research projects and partnerships.
• Supportive Team: Work alongside experienced professionals with access to established contracting templates and shared expertise.
• Location & Hours: Convenient Brisbane inner-suburban location, close to public transport | 36.25 hours per week.

  
The Opportunity
Our client is a leading Australian university, recognised for its excellence in research, innovation and industry engagement. Working closely with government, industry and research organisations, the university supports a diverse portfolio of research projects and commercial partnerships.
  
An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Contracts Officer to join its established research contracts team during a period of increased workload.
  
This is an initial two-month contract commencing in November 2026, with the potential for extension of up to a further 12 months, subject to operational requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who are immediately available, between contracts or seeking a new opportunity with the potential to continue into the new year.
  
Working within a collaborative team, you will manage a diverse portfolio of research, consultancy and commercial agreements, providing practical contractual advice to researchers and internal stakeholders while balancing commercial risk with project requirements.
  
Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate and coordinate the execution of research, consultancy and commercial agreements, including collaborative research, confidentiality, material transfer, data access and research services agreements.
• Identify and assess contractual risks, resolve issues and escalate complex matters where appropriate.
• Provide commercially focused contractual advice to researchers, academic teams and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and adapt agreements using established contractual templates, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and governance requirements.
• Manage competing priorities and deadlines to facilitate the timely progression of agreements.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, contribute to process improvements and support less experienced team members.

  
About You
You will bring strong commercial judgement, excellent negotiation skills and the ability to manage a substantial volume of agreements in a fast-paced environment.
To be successful in this role, you will offer:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, negotiating and managing commercial contracts.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify and resolve complex contractual issues.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to work autonomously, prioritise competing deadlines and deliver practical, solutions-focused outcomes.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to quickly adapt to new contractual frameworks and procedures.

  
Previous experience in research contracting or the higher education sector will be advantageous but is not essential. Candidates with relevant experience gained in private practice, government or corporate environments are encouraged to apply.
  
Apply Now
If you hold a Bachelor of Laws and have strong commercial contracting experience, we would welcome the opportunity to hear from you.
  
Apply now or contact Law Staff for a confidential discussion.