Research Contracts Specialist

• Annual base salary from $126,306 - $140,543 (HEW Level 8) plus 17% employer’s superannuation contribution and annual leave loading (base salary will be commensurate with experience).
• Full-time, 12 month fixed-term contract.
• Flexible working arrangement and supportive team, based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal campus, North Ryde.

The Research Awards team within central Research Services has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Research Contracts Specialist to join our dynamic and highly productive team on a full-time 12-month fixed term basis.

About the Role
This role is perfectly suited to someone with research post award experience and a strong understanding of the legal requirements underpinning university-related research. This role will manage a range of research contracts negotiations from Category 1 funded grants to industry funded projects and everything in between.

Your ability to apply your previous legal and/or research post award experience to new circumstances and contracts will see you excel in this role.

The Research Awards team fosters a positive team culture and we look forward to having you join our team!

Key Accountabilities of this role include:

• Draft, review and negotiate in a timely manner a range of research, research-related, consultancy and research commercialisation contracts, ensuring the terms are compliant with external investment rules (if applicable) and University policies and requirements.
• Provide contractual advice regarding research contracts and partnerships to researchers and professional services staff.
• Effectively manage a busy caseload of research and research related contracts from conception to execution.
• Take a pragmatic, commercially aware approach to managing contractual risks associated with research, research-related and commercialisation contracts.
• Perform due diligence, in consultation with the National Security and Defence Manager on external partners to ensure compliance with Commonwealth legislation relating to foreign
• interference and national security legislation.
• Liaise with external funding agencies, business partners, research collaborators and external peer networks to inform and enable best practice in research agreement negotiation and execution.
• Liaise with key internal stakeholders to enable efficient and streamlined contract management processes.

To Apply

To be considered for this role, applicants must address the below selection criteria in no more than two pages. Applicants who fail to address the selection criteria may not be given further consideration during the selection process.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstration of having a strong understanding of the contractual arrangements that accompany research, preferably within the higher education sector or an equivalent environment.
• Proven ability to draft, review and critique a wide range of draft research funding agreements and to provide clear, concise feedback and advice to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work systematically and simultaneously on multiple projects with different levels of priority and complexity, whilst meeting deadlines in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated capacity to perform due diligence on matters to ensure compliance with relevant internal and external policies, such as internal IP policies and external legislation pertaining to foreign interference.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in law or equivalent combination of qualifications and relevant work experience.

Desirable

• A strong understanding of IP protection, filing and commercialisation processes, strategies and related legal agreements and their negotiation.

*Please note that this role requires a criminal history check.

Role Specific Enquiries: Dorothy Pham, Senior Research Awards Manager, dorothy.pham@mq.edu.au

Application Close Date:  Monday, 9 November at 11:59pm (AEST)

****Please note we reserve the right to progress or decline an application as well as close the advertisement prior to the stated closing date.****

Why work at Macquarie? 

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today. We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• 17% Superannuation  
• Subsidised onsite parking options 
• Flexible working options 
• Training and professional development 
• Onsite childcare facilities 
• Discounted health insurance (Medibank) 
• Onsite vacation care 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Subsidised membership at the Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Onsite GP, imaging & physio clinics

Pre-Employment Checks

Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for. Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

09/11/2026 11:59 PM

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