Manager, Research Contracts

Job no: 0061214
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Continuing
Department: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation
Salary: UOM 9 – $134,320 – $139,749 p.a. plus 17% super

• Play a pivotal role in Research Grants, Contracts and Finance’s leadership team
• Make your mark on research at the University of Melbourne
• Brilliant benefits and a flexible hybrid work environment!

About the Role
With strong customer focus and a commitment to team development, you’ll play a pivotal role in RGCF’s leadership team, exercising independent judgment and influencing both internal and external partners. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for streamlining research administration, this could be your opportunity to make a significant impact.

The Research Contracts Manager leads RGCF’s Contract to Output team and services, driving efficient post-award administration for research funding over $700M annually. They’ll provide expert training and advice on grant contracts, collaborating with academics, teams, and stakeholders across the University to improve processes and build strong relationships. This high-impact role demands passion for exceptional service, proven leadership, and the ability to influence and adapt in a dynamic environment.

Your responsibilities will include leading and developing a team to:

Contract to Output

• Provide post-award support for funded research, taking responsibility for high quality outcomes to stakeholders
• Generation, negotiation and acceptance of research funding contracts.
• Support post-award management of contracts and contract variations in cooperation with Academic Divisions, COO Portfolio, Chancellery and external funders.

General

• Establish and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Provide high quality, impactful advice and information to academic researchers and Faculty research administrators.
• Provide advice and training in relation to contract matters to grants teams (both pre- and post-award).

Who we are looking for
We seek a dynamic leader to ignite our service delivery. You’ll not only champion team performance but actively drive improvements, seamlessly influencing across teams. Your organizational finesse will conquer competing deadlines and meticulous attention to detail will shine. As a master communicator, you’ll build stellar stakeholder relationships, wielding exceptional judgement and initiative to navigate any challenge. Lead your team with agility in this fast-paced environment, and join us to leave a lasting impact.

You will also have:

• Tertiary qualification with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated capacity to evaluate and interpret complex rules, policies and procedures

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements please refer to the attached PD.

To ensure the University continues to provide a safe environment for everyone, this position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.

This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your new team – “Research Grants, Contracts and Finance (RGCF) – Research Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC)
Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) is the central facilitator of research funding in the University, taking advantage of the full diversity of research funding opportunities. We have a passion to see our academics and their collaboration partners succeed, achieve research excellence and translate their discoveries into real-world innovation and impact.  RIC operates University-wide across all ten Academic Divisions and Chancellery.

Research Grants, Contracts and Finance (RGCF) within RIC supports the submission of grant proposals (Idea to Proposal) and the post-award administration (Contract to Output) for a wide range of Australian and international research funders. RGCF also supports Chancellery in the management and administration of internally funded research grants.

What we offer you!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and discounts on graduate courses. For more information check out our benefits page!

The University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .  

Be yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at [email protected] , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled “Reasonable Adjustments Request”.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture, and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Susan via email at [email protected] , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

Position Description