Research Contracts Specialist

Macquarie University; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 126,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% Superannuation

Subsidised onsite parking

Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

Onsite childcare facilities

Onsite vacation care

Discounted health insurance

Subsidised Sports Centre membership

Employee Assistance Program

Onsite GP Imagin and physiotherapy

Job summary

Macquarie University is seeking an experienced Research Contracts Specialist to join the Research Awards team on a full-time 12-month fixed-term basis at North Ryde. The role focuses on negotiating and managing a broad range of research contracts, from Category 1 funded grants to industry-funded projects.

You will apply previous legal and post-award experience to ensure compliance with Commonwealth and university policies, while supporting researchers and collaborations in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of contractual arrangements in research, preferably in higher education.
• Proven ability to draft, review and critique draft research funding agreements and provide clear feedback.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a range of research, research-related, consultancy and research commercialisation contracts, ensuring compliance with external investment rules and university policies.
• Provide contractual advice regarding research contracts and partnerships to researchers and staff.
• Manage a busy caseload of research contracts from conception to execution.
• Take a pragmatic, commercially aware approach to managing contractual risks in research and related areas.
• Perform due diligence in line with national security and external policy requirements.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Legal/compliance knowledge

Research contracts

Due diligence

Education

Law degree or equivalent

Job description

Salary and Contract Details

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.

About the Role

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.

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

• 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.

Role Specific Enquiries

Contact: Dorothy Pham, Senior Research Awards Manager, [e-mail]

Application Close Date

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

Applications Close: 09/11/2026 11:59 PM

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

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.

Applicants who fail to address the selection criteria may not be given further consideration during the selection process.

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

Additional Requirements

Please note that this role requires a criminal history check.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University.

See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace.

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. We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index.

Our Values

Our values — Collective Ambition, Purposeful Collaboration, Bold Innovation, and Genuine Care — are at the heart of everything we do and by living our values, we unlock the true potential of You to the Power of Us.

Fostering Belonging

Our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework 2024-2028 and our Flexible Work approach support Macquarie’s vision by building a community where everyone truly feels safe and like they belong. We acknowledge the richness of each individual’s identity and the potential that brings. This diversity amplifies You to the Power of Us and creates an inclusive environment that leads to better outcomes for all. Through a nurturing and fair environment, we are a workplace that enables you to balance both your personal needs and professional goals.

What we offer?

When you join Macquarie University, you gain access to a supportive, flexible workplace designed to help you thrive. Our benefits include:

• 17% Superannuation
• Subsidised onsite parking options
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• Extensive training and professional development programs
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
• Discounted health insurance
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Campus

Just 15km from Sydney’s CBD and with access to Australia’s only dedicated university metro station, our Wallumattagal Campus in Macquarie Park offers a vibrant and inspiring place to work—right in one of the world’s greatest cities.

Privacy

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