Contracts officer

Role type: Continuing

Department: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation

Salary: UOM 6 - $100,847 - $109,163 p.a. plus 17% superannuation

Job Overview

The University of Melbourne has a continuing role for a Contracts Officer to shape research and commercial partnerships through expert contract negotiation and management. The successful candidate will be part of a specialist Chancellery team enabling the university's research mission by supporting academics, researchers and partners to finalise robust agreements that enable impactful, real‐world innovation.

Responsibilities

• Review, draft, negotiate and finalise research and commercial engagement agreements, seeking legal advice where appropriate.
• Coordinate internal approvals and delegate signatures to ensure contracts are executed accurately and within required timeframes.
• Build productive relationships with researchers, RIC colleagues, faculty staff and external partners to streamline contracting processes.
• Monitor, track and report contract status, providing timely updates and issue escalation to senior team members.
• Support, guide and mentor junior or new contracts staff, sharing knowledge and fostering consistent best practice.

Qualifications

• Hold a law degree and have experience drafting, negotiating and advising on commercial or government contracts.
• Demonstrate solid knowledge of contract law and commercial contracting principles in practice.
• Communicate complex contractual issues clearly, tailoring explanations for academics, professional staff and external stakeholders.
• Manage competing priorities, plan effectively and meet deadlines across a diverse portfolio of matters.
• Collaborate constructively within a team environment and contribute to shared goals and continuous improvement.
• Apply sound judgement and problem‐solving skills to balance risk, compliance and research or commercial objectives.

Benefits

• 17% superannuation.
• Flexible work arrangements and inclusion commitment.
• Career development opportunities, including Academic Women in Leadership and LinkedIn Learning.
• Progressive leave provisions, including parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave.
• Salary packaging and discounted services such as Bupa health insurance, and cultural and recreational benefits.
• Health and well‐being services including an Employee Assistance Program.

Team

You will join the Research, Innovation and Commercialisation team, a specialist Chancellery team that partners with academics, industry, government and funders to support funding proposals, contracts and commercialisation pathways.

Equal Opportunity

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.

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 korin-korin@unimelb.edu.au