* Full-time, permanent position
* Base salary will be in the range $115,645 - $129,654+ 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
* Based at our Herston Campus
About This Opportunity
This is your chance to play a pivotal role in advancing impactful, real-world research through strong commercial partnerships in one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities. As Research Commercial Manager, you will sit at the intersection of research excellence and industry collaboration, driving commercial outcomes that support UQ’s ambitious research agenda.
Embedded within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, this role will see you work with world-class researchers, dynamic industry partners and key stakeholders to shape agreements that turn ground-breaking ideas into tangible outcomes. You'll lead complex negotiations, contribute to strategic research development, and apply your expertise to foster partnerships that transform health and wellbeing locally and globally.
If you're looking to apply your commercial acumen and relationship-building strengths in a role that makes a difference, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to UQ’s global reputation for innovation, impact and excellence in research.
Key responsibilities will include :
o Lead the negotiation and development of commercial research contracts, ensuring terms align with UQ's strategic research priorities and compliance requirements.
o Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support successful research collaborations and long-term partnerships.
o Provide expert advice on commercial principles, intellectual property, pricing, and risk management to support high-quality contract research outcomes.
o Collaborate with legal, governance, and research support teams to streamline agreement processes and enable efficient, effective service delivery.
About the Research Office
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:
o Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
o 17% superannuation contributions
o 17.5% annual leave loading
o Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
o 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
o UQ Study for Staff
o Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
o Salary packaging options
About You
o Proven experience in research commercial management within a complex organisation, ideally in the health, medical, or behavioural sciences sectors.
o Strong understanding of commercial principles, research funding, intellectual property, and knowledge transfer.
o Confident in reviewing complex agreements and working effectively with legal and risk teams to resolve contractual issues.
o Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive partnerships and influence outcomes.
o Highly organised, outcomes-focused, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
o A postgraduate qualification (or progress towards one), or equivalent relevant experience in research management, law, or business.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check.
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 Rachel Axon at r.axon@uq.edu.au For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, 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:
o Resume
o A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section
Our strength 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. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
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 17 August 2025, at 11.00pm AEST (R-53799). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week of the 18th of August 2025.
Full-time