Senior Specialist, Research Contracts

Apply now Job no:546955
Work type:Full-time
Location:Flexible
Categories:Administration

• Flexible location
• 2 x Full-time and continuing
• HEW 9 $127,682 – $135,330 + 17% Superannuation (pro rata, part time)

Why work with us?

At Deakin you will have access to benefits such as a variety of leave options including generous parental leave and the ability to purchase additional leave; flexible working arrangements to help manage your work-life balance; ongoing learning and development opportunities to grow your career; an inclusive and supportive culture and environment to work in, both online and on campus.

The Senior Specialist, Research Contracts will take a hands-on and proactive approach deliver Deakin’s strategic goals through contract preparation and administration across competitive and non-competitive funding to achieve a more sustainable, efficient, and improved university. The Senior Specialist, Research Contracts will oversee and manage contractual agreements between Deakin and our partners including funding agencies, industry partners, government agencies, research collaborators and other institutions.

The role will be responsible for managing the contract lifecycle from initial negotiations through contract execution and ongoing administration and must work with key stakeholders across the university to ensure contracts are effectively negotiated, executed, and administered in compliance with university policies, legal regulations and best practices.

As a Senior Specialist you will:

• Draft complex contracts, provide expert advice and guidance on contract related matters ensuring that contracts adhere to legal requirements and university policies.
• Collaborate with university stakeholders, including researchers, grants team and the Research and Innovation team to
  • negotiate terms and conditions of research contracts, ensuring they align with university’s strategic goals and objectives; and
  • guide colleagues and negotiate outcomes when issues arise during the life contracts.
• In collaboration with project leaders and teams, drive and oversee the delivery of contract administration and be responsible for the establishment of the contractual arrangements for high value and/or complex research projects.
• Maintain high level of knowledge in research funding contracting, intellectual property and legislation to ensure delivery of quality and reliable advice to researchers, Research and Innovation colleagues and other key stakeholders.
• Drive best practices in contract administration to ensure the timely establishment of agreements for external funding and collaborative partnerships in compliance with contract conditions.
• Provide ongoing instructional support and disseminate information on contractual matters to staff to assist in conducting their activities.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Qualifications in Law or Business and extensive relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, and dealing with issues which arise during the life of contracts
• Extensive experience working within a large scale and complex organisation.
• Expert knowledge of systems, process and business improvement capabilities.
• Experience designing effective solutions to complex business and technical problems.
• Experience managing stakeholders to achieve project outcomes.

Here’s how to apply: 

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Andrew Gaff (Senior Manager, Research Contracts) on [email protected]. For a copy of the position description, please see below:

 Senior Specialist, Research Contracts_ HEW 9 (3).pdf

Applications for this position close on 12/2/24 at 11.55pm.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.