Principal Coordinator, Contracts

Description:

• Research Office

• Full-time, permanent position

• Base salary will be in the range $109,496 - $109,496+ 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 7)

• Based at our St. Lucia Campus

Are you a skilled contracts professional looking to make a tangible impact in the research sector? Join UQ’s Research Office as a Senior Research Contracts Officer and play a pivotal role in facilitating groundbreaking research partnerships.

In this dynamic role, you will provide expert guidance in the development, negotiation, and execution of research-related agreements, ensuring that UQ researchers can seamlessly collaborate with industry, government, and academic partners. Your work will help drive innovation by streamlining contracting processes, mitigating risks, and delivering efficient, solutions-focused service.

As a key member of our team, you will engage with stakeholders across the University, offering specialist advice and fostering strong relationships that enhance UQ’s research capabilities. You will also have the opportunity to mentor junior colleagues, contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, and shape best practices in research contract management.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy problem-solving, and are passionate about enabling world-class research, we encourage you to apply.

Key responsibilities will include :

• Draft, review, negotiate, and coordinate the execution of research-related agreements, ensuring compliance with UQ policies and the requirements of research partners and sponsors.

• Provide expert advice and exceptional customer service to researchers, delivering timely and solutions-focused support to facilitate research collaborations.

• Mentor and guide junior team members, overseeing risk-based triaging and fostering a strong customer-centric approach to research contract management.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, policy development, and governance matters to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in research contracting processes.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) is a member of the University’s Senior Executive and has responsibility for enhancing the university’s performance and reputation in research, research training, and research collaboration with external stakeholders, nationally and internationally. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) is supported by the staff in the UQ Research and Innovation portfolio. Units within the portfolio have responsibility to support the University's research community through strategic engagement with external stakeholders, funding organisations and research partners; international collaborations; grants management; research performance data management, research infrastructure management, and research ethics and integrity.

The Research Office (RO) aims to enhance UQ’s research performance and profile by collaborating with faculties, institutes, research teams, and individual researchers to initiate, facilitate, and secure research funding and research agreements to support UQ’s agenda and to the mutual needs of its partners. This
includes efforts to elevate UQ’s research profile, its partnerships and to increase the level, quality, and diversity of research funding.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

• 17% superannuation contributions

• 17.5% annual leave loading

• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight

• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

• UQ Study for Staff

• On campus childcare options

• Affordable parking (from just $5.75 a day)

• Salary packaging options

• Extensive experience in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing research-related agreements in a complex environment.

• Strong knowledge of higher education policies, research administration, and relevant regulatory frameworks.

• Proven ability to identify and resolve contractual issues, negotiate effectively, and influence key stakeholders.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with researchers, external partners, and internal teams.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise tasks, and work autonomously in a fast-paced setting.

• Experience mentoring and supporting junior staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check.

Work Rights:

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Lauren Gates at l.gates@uq.edu.au For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section

• Resume

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close 3/04/2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-49227). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 7/04/2025.