Research Partnerships Officer The University Of Queensland
• Melbourne, Australia
Research Partnerships Officer
Join to apply for the Research Partnerships Officer role at The University of Queensland .
We're seeking a Research Partnerships Officer to enable high‑quality research collaboration through effective, compliant and timely research contract management. Working closely with the Senior Commercial Manager, you'll support researchers and external partners by providing expert advice, practical coordination and clear guidance on University policies and contractual frameworks. In this role, you'll be a trusted representative of QAAFI, contributing to consistent, high‑quality agreements and helping improve research contracting processes that support impactful research across Queensland, Australia and globally.
Key Responsibilities
* Research Contract & Collaboration Management – Provide end‑to‑end coordination, negotiation and execution of research contracts, delivering clear advice on contractual obligations, budgeting, compliance and University policy, while building strong relationships with researchers, Legal and external partners and continuously improving contracting processes.
* Research Development & Funding Support – Advise on competitive funding opportunities and compliance, support proposal development from budget to submission, review applications for quality and alignment, and help shape clear, compelling narratives that strengthen funding and collaboration outcomes.
* Capability, Reporting & Continuous Improvement – Contribute to researcher development initiatives, data analysis and reporting, support institutional systems and workflows, and assist with strategic documentation and projects that enhance QAAFI's research performance and collaboration capability.
About UQ
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world. Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Benefits
* Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
* 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
* Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times and purchased leave
* 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
* Career development opportunities – access to exclusive internal‑only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
* On‑campus childcare options
* Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
* Salary packaging options
About You
A degree with at least four (4) years' subsequent relevant experience in research contract management and collaborative research coordination (strongly preferred in the higher education or research sectors), or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or training.
Proven expertise in research contract administration, including interpreting contractual requirements, coordinating negotiation inputs, supporting agreement execution, developing and reviewing complex research budgets or financial components of submissions, and navigating university administrative systems.
Experience in research development and competitive funding processes, supported by strong knowledge of the higher education research and funding landscape, research governance requirements, and familiarity with funder portals and processes.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information, prepare high‑quality documentation, and contribute to persuasive proposal development.
Demonstrated capacity to manage competing priorities, coordinate stakeholder inputs, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment, while rapidly assimilating new information and contributing to process improvements.
A strong track record of effective engagement with industry, government, and research partners, complemented by high‑level interpersonal and client service skills and the ability to build productive relationships with UQ stakeholders, including the QAAFI Business Development team, Finance teams, and other central functions.
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively across functional areas, exercising sound judgement and initiative; experience with Smartsheet or similar workflow/project management platforms will be highly regarded.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre‑employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, professional registration (e.g. AHPRA), criminal history checks, and other role‑specific requirements such as mandatory immunisations, First Aid and/or CPR certification, and Blue Card checks. This may also include checks relating to gender‑based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements. You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
Questions
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Vanessa Stott at .
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
Want to Apply
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload Resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section.
Other Information
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.
Applications close Sunday January 18th **** at *****pm AEST (R-*****).
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Higher Education
Job Reference
#J-*****-Ljbffr
#J-18808-Ljbffr