Careers at UniSC

• Office of Research, UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs or UniSC Moreton Bay, Petrie
• Professional Level 6 - $92,964 - $100,603 p.a. plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, ongoing appointment

The Opportunity

The Office of Research at UniSC provides comprehensive research services aligned with the university’s strategic goal of becoming an international research leader. The office oversees research funding, commercialisation, ethics and integrity, and performance information. It fosters a culture of diversity, professionalism, and integrity, acting as the external face of research at UniSC.

Join UniSC’s Office of Research as a Research Contracts Officer and play a vital role in supporting the university’s research excellence by managing the administration and governance of research contracts and agreements. You will ensure compliance with internal policies and legislative frameworks, facilitate efficient contract execution, and help mitigate risks to the university. This position offers the chance to work closely with researchers, legal teams, and external partners to support impactful research outcomes in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

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

You will

• manage the triage, administration, and governance of research contracts and agreements, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation;
• liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate timely, pragmatic, and compliant contract approvals and execution;
• maintain and update contract templates and provide guidance to teams on contract processes and compliance requirements; and
• support education and communication initiatives to promote adherence to due diligence policies and procedures.

About you

You bring a combination of relevant qualifications and practical experience in contract administration, preferably within a university, research institute, or government setting. You understand the importance of governance, legislative frameworks, and risk management in research contracts. Your strong communication and organisational skills enable you to manage multiple priorities and collaborate with diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. You are proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering high-quality client service with professionalism and integrity.

You will possess:

• completion of a relevant undergraduate degree combined with experience in contract administration within a university, research institute, research organisation, or government environment;
• experience working within organisational policy, procedures, and governance structures, including delegations;
• sound knowledge of legislative and governance frameworks relevant to research contract management, with the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• ability to apply initiative, judgment, and problem-solving skills to manage complex contract matters;
• capacity to seek organisational input and apply innovative solutions to generate effective outcomes;
• well-developed time management, planning, and organisational skills to meet deadlines and prioritise work effectively; and
• strong ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and develop effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including external legal service providers.

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: Research Contracts Officer

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through our website. To apply please visit our website at: Careers at UniSC

Applications for this position close midnight, Wednesday 29 October 2025.  

Your completed application must include: 

• a resume, and responses to specific pre-determined selection criteria as outlined in the application form.

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

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

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:

Sabine Sand
Manager, Research Legal – Office of Research
Email: ssand@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 and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

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 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence 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.