Careers at UniSC

• Office of Research | UniSC Sunshine Coast or Moreton Bay campus 
• Level 10, $143,875 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, ongoing appointment

The Opportunity

As Manager, Research Legal, you’ll play a key role in supporting UniSC’s research community in the provision of legal advice and due diligence across our research contracts and agreements. Reporting to the Director, Office of Research, and working closely with stakeholders from across the university, you’ll help safeguard UniSC’s legal, reputational and business interests, while enabling impactful, well-supported research activity. It’s a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of our research partnerships, funding, and innovation, all while building strong connections with colleagues across our schools, institutes and executive leadership.

For more information on the Office of Research, please visit us online: Office of Research

You will

• lead the end-to-end management of UniSC’s research contracts and agreements, from drafting and negotiation through to execution, ensuring they’re set up for success;
• proactively assess and manage legal, reputational and business risk through thorough due diligence, keeping UniSC’s interests front and centre;
• work closely with researchers, funding bodies, and partners to make sure every contract aligns with funding rules, approvals and stakeholder expectations; and
• provide trusted legal advice across a broad mix of matters, from commercial and contractual issues to intellectual property, compliance and policy.

About you:

As the Manager, Research Legal, you will bring a wealth of legal expertise and a strategic mindset to support the University’s research initiatives. Your strong background in law, coupled with your comprehensive knowledge of legislative and governance frameworks, will allow you to navigate complex legal matters in a university research environment. You are adept at providing legal counsel across a wide range of areas, including commercial contracts, intellectual property, compliance, and risk management, while ensuring alignment with the University's policies and objectives. You possess exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, enabling you to interpret and apply legislation effectively and develop practical solutions. Your ability to work independently, coupled with your strong interpersonal skills, allows you to build productive relationships with stakeholders. You are comfortable advising as a senior lawyer and managing legal risks to ensure the University’s reputation and interests are protected. Your leadership and ability to manage a team will ensure alignment with UniSC's strategic direction while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in shaping the legal and commercial landscape of research at UniSC.

You will possess:

• A postgraduate law qualification, a current practising certificate, and extensive experience, or a combination that sets you up for success in this space.
• Strong expertise in contract law, including drafting, negotiating, and advising on contracts and intellectual property, ideally within a university, research institute, or government setting.
• A service-driven mindset, always aiming to exceed expectations and take ownership of outcomes.
• A deep understanding of organisational policies, procedures, and governance structures, and the ability to work within them effectively.
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies, and procedures in a practical way that supports the university’s goals.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to lead, influence, and collaborate across teams and stakeholders.
• Sound judgement, initiative, and problem-solving skills, particularly in navigating complex research contracting matters.
• A creative approach to generating solutions, seeking input, and applying innovative strategies.
• Excellent time management, organisational skills, and the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines, both for yourself and others.
• A commitment to delivering quality service, with a responsive and friendly approach to building effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position description:  493238_position description.pdf

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 18 May 2025

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, and a response to selection criteria. Noting that within the application form, we will request a statement addressing each of the selection criteria contained within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Samantha Valentine
Director, Office of Research
Telephone: 07 5456 5449
Email: svalenti@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.