Careers at UniSC

• Office of Research | UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs
• Level 10, $163,035 p.a. inclusive of 17% superannuation
• Full-time, ongoing appointment

The Opportunity

Join our team at UniSC where your expertise truly matters. In this valued position, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference by supporting the UniSC research community. As the leader in providing legal advice and due diligence, you will play a crucial role in managing research contracts and agreements, safeguarding UniSC's business, reputation, and legal interests.

Collaborating closely with the Manager, Research Funding, you will oversee all aspects of UniSC's research contracts, ensuring risks are minimised while facilitating vital research funding. You’ll work hand-in-hand with key stakeholders, including the Director of the Office of Research, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Legal Office, the Commercialisation Advisor, School Deans, and Institute and Centre Directors. Your ability to navigate these collaborations effectively will be instrumental in advancing UniSC's research ambitions.

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

You will

• take the lead in managing UniSC's research contracts and agreements, guiding every step from drafting and evaluation to negotiation and execution;

• conduct thorough due diligence to proactively identify, minimise, and eliminate potential risks, ensuring that all contract terms are in perfect alignment with UniSC policies and external legislation;

• collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that every research contract and agreement meets approved funding applications, funding rules, and stakeholder needs; and

• offer your expertise by advising on a wide array of legal matters, including commercial and contractual arrangements, intellectual property, and related compliance and policy issues, driving UniSC's success.

About you:

You’re a natural leader with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, effortlessly guiding, negotiating, and influencing within a team to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Your initiative, judgment, and problem solving abilities shine when navigating the complexities of research contracting, ensuring even the toughest challenges are met with ease. With your impeccable time management skills, you excel at setting priorities and organising your work, consistently meeting deadlines. Your dedication to delivering exceptional service is evident in every user-friendly, responsive interaction you have with clients. Building strong, effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders comes naturally to you, making you an invaluable asset to any team.

You will possess:

• Relevant postgraduate law qualification coupled with extensive experience as a practicing lawyer, including at least five years in a senior role with supervision responsibilities, ideally within a university or research institution.

• Proven experience and expertise in advising on key legal areas relevant to this role.

• Familiarity with insurance, litigation, and court procedures, bringing a well rounded understanding of these critical aspects.

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with a strong ability to work collaboratively within a team and produce high-quality written communications.

• Demonstrated proactive approach and the ability to work independently, taking ownership to address and resolve issues that may impact service delivery, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

• Skilled in managing multiple tasks effectively within tight deadlines, demonstrating flexibility in a dynamic work environment while consistently providing outstanding client service.

• Strong computer literacy and a keen eye for detail, maintaining high standards even under pressure.

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:  Manager, Research Legal PD L10.pdf

Applications for this position close midnight, Monday 7 October 2024

Your completed application must include:

• a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined 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

Associate Director, Research Ethics and Integrity 

Phone: 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.