Lawyer (MDHS)

UOM University of Melbourne; Parkville; On-site; AUD 125,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging

Health and wellbeing programs

Discounted services

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Melbourne is seeking an experienced in-house lawyer to provide high-quality advice on complex health, research and commercial matters across MDHS and MRE. You will partner with senior stakeholders to shape strategy, manage legal risk, and deliver pragmatic, contract-focused support.

The role is based in Melbourne with a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional development and an inclusive, high-performing team environment.

Qualifications

• Provide clear, solution-focused legal advice on areas including research, clinical trials, IP, employment, regulation and student placements.
• Draft, review and negotiate diverse commercial agreements, including research, technology, licensing and collaboration arrangements.
• Build strong partnerships with MDHS and MRE stakeholders, enabling early legal input into key initiatives.
• Support Legal and Risk projects, driving process improvements and consistent, efficient legal service delivery.
• Manage routine and complex matters independently while collaborating across the MDHS cluster and the Legal and Risk team.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, solution-focused legal advice on research, clinical trials, IP, employment, regulation and student placements.
• Draft, review and negotiate diverse commercial agreements, including research, technology, licensing and collaboration arrangements.
• Build strong partnerships with MDHS and MRE stakeholders, enabling early legal input into key initiatives.
• Support Legal and Risk projects, driving process improvements and consistent, efficient legal service delivery.
• Manage routine and complex matters independently while collaborating closely with colleagues across the MDHS cluster and the Legal and Risk team.

Skills

Legal advice

Negotiation

Drafting

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Law degree

Victorian Practising Certificate

Job description

Role type: Full-time; Continuing Department: Legal and Risk, COO Portfolio Salary: UOM 8 - $125,191 - $135,504 p.a. plus 17% super

Advise on complex health, research and commercial law matters / partner with Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) and Melbourne Research and Enterprise (MRE) leaders / grow versatile in-house legal expertise

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: You will provide high-quality legal advice on complex health, research and commercial matters across MDHS and MRE. You will work as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, shaping strategic decisions and managing legal risk.

What you will deliver:

• Provide clear, solution-focused legal advice on areas including research, clinical trials, IP, employment, regulation and student placements.
• Draft, review and negotiate diverse commercial agreements, including research, technology, licensing and collaboration arrangements.
• Build strong partnerships with MDHS and MRE stakeholders, enabling early legal input into key initiatives.
• Support Legal and Risk projects, driving process improvements and consistent, efficient legal service delivery.
• Manage routine and complex matters independently while collaborating closely with colleagues across the MDHS cluster and the Legal and Risk team.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold a law degree, at least two years’ PQE and a current Victorian Practising Certificate.
• Bring experience in commercial contracts and one or more of research, clinical trials, IP or digital health.
• Demonstrate strong drafting, analytical and negotiation skills, with a focus on practical, solution-oriented advice.
• Manage competing priorities and ambiguity while exercising sound judgment about when to escalat or seek guidance.
• Build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and contribute positively to a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Maintain high ethical standards, professionalism and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive or complex legal matters.

What we offer you!

• 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 learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balanceand 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:

Legal Services is the University’s in-house legal team providing strategic legal support across teaching, research and operations. You will join the MDHS cluster, working closely with leaders in medicine, dentistry, health sciences and research. The team champions Service Excellence, One Team and University First, fostering collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.

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 [e-mail]

Application essentials:

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 use the cover letter and resume template (under Application Document) below to create and outline your experience. Resumes not in the template below will not be accepted.

Application Document:

Template CV - UOM8 Lawyer (MDHS)- 2026.docx Position Description:JR-018932 Lawyer (MDHS) PD.pdf JR-018932 Lawyer (MDHS) PD.docx

Explore leadership opportunities to shape the future and growth of the University of Melbourne - Executive Opportunities

Welcome to the University of Melbourne – where our vision for positive societal change creates impact. Join our community of world‑class thinkers, where innovation thrives, and your ideas shape the future. At the University of Melbourne, your potential is our priority. Elevate your career, make a real difference, and be part of a diverse community that values your unique contribution. Your journey to professional and personal growth starts here. Discover more at - https://about.unimelb.edu.au/ At the heart of our mission is a commitment to enriching society through education and research. Through our strategy "Advancing Melbourne," we're not just shaping our own future; we're shaping the future of the state, the nation, and our global community. Together, we propel Australia forward, positioning it as an ambitious, forward‑thinking leader on the world stage. Our staff play a key role in elevating Australia's reputation and influence globally. Your contributions are the driving force behind our ambition to be a leading force for positive change. Join us, and let's advance Melbourne – and the world – together. Discover more The University has committed to a strategic vision which aims to create a thriving, fair and diverse university community, working together respectfully to make a difference to each other and in the world. Join us on our journey to build a future where everyone in our community can feel a strong sense of belonging, and diverse perspectives fuel success. Discover more

Want to know more about us, our processes, or future opportunities?

We would love to connect with you! Get in touch with our friendly Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail]

Applications Close:

Sunday 25th October 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.