About This Opportunity
Come join us in shaping UQ’s commercial research portfolio and supporting collaborations that deliver real-world outcomes!
As the Research Commercial Manager, you will support high-value research initiatives by leading the negotiation, development and management of commercial research agreements, working closely with academic teams, industry partners and key internal units.
In this role, you will provide clear, commercially sound advice on contractual terms, IP pathways, pricing and risk, ensuring agreements align with UQ’s strategic priorities and enable successful project delivery. You will play a key role in strengthening stakeholder relationships and supporting researchers to progress impactful partnerships.
This is an excellent opportunity to broaden your commercial expertise, enhance your influence across UQ’s research community and support the translation of research into meaningful impact.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Lead the negotiation, development and management of commercial research agreements, ensuring alignment with UQ policies, strategic priorities and partner needs.
- Provide expert commercial advice on contractual terms, pricing, IP pathways and risk to support successful research collaborations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate effective partnership engagement and project delivery.
- Support researchers by advising on contractual obligations, monitoring post-execution performance and contributing to continuous improvement in commercial research processes.
This is a full-time, fixed-term position until February 2027 at HEW Level 8.
About You
- Possess relevant qualifications and substantial experience in research contract administration, commercial negotiation or a related field.
- Demonstrate robust commercial acumen, with the ability to interpret complex agreements and engage confidently with legal, IP and governance specialists.
- Bring proven experience building and managing productive relationships with industry, government and academic stakeholders.
- Communicate clearly and professionally, with excellent written skills and the ability to convey complex information with accuracy.
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment, effectively prioritising tasks and managing competing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
- Show a proactive, solutions-focused approach and the capacity to quickly absorb new information and apply it to support strategic outcomes.
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 Sarah Wainwright at s.wainwright@uq.edu.au
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job requisition ID 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
- 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 Monday 8 December 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-58446). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the 12th of December 2025.