Manager, Research Contracts

About the role

A leading university in Melbourne CBD is seeking an experienced Manager, Research Contracts through its recruitment partner Chandler Macleod. The role reports to the Senior Manager, Research Contracts and covers a broad range of commercial and research-related agreements such as research funding arrangements, collaborative research partnerships, intellectual property licensing and commercial research contracts. It suits commercially minded professionals, legal practitioners and internationally qualified lawyers living in Melbourne, with immediate start and potential extension.

Key responsibilities

• Review, draft and negotiate commercial contracts, research agreements, funding arrangements and collaborative partnerships.
• Assess contractual risks relating to intellectual property, insurance, indemnities and compliance obligations.
• Provide practical commercial and contractual advice to internal stakeholders and negotiate terms with funding agencies, research collaborators and industry partners.
• Work with legal, finance and risk teams so agreements comply with organisational policies.
• Recommend commercially viable solutions and prepare recommendations supporting contract execution decisions.
• Maintain accurate contractual documentation, records and reporting, and contribute to improving contract management processes.

Required profile

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Law, Business, Commerce or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Sound knowledge of contract law, contractual obligations and commercial risk management.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, interpreting or negotiating contracts and legal agreements.
• Understanding of intellectual property, indemnities, insurance provisions and contractual risk.
• Currently residing in Melbourne with valid Australian working rights; a Victorian Employee Working with Children check is required.
• Short-notice start is highly desirable.

Required skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to recommend commercially sound solutions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong negotiation capabilities and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgement.

What we offer

• Pay of $94.11 per hour plus superannuation.
• 36 hours per week, full-time, with a contract from ASAP to 23 December 2026 and potential extension.
• Hybrid arrangement, minimum 2 days on site per week, with Thursday as the anchor day.