Job Description

The Senior Commercial Research Officer supports the relevant staff, academic and general staff to develop high quality and complex submission documentation for projects developed under the University’s Consultancy and Commercial Research Procedure (CCR) and the Intellectual Property policy (IP policy). The Senior Commercial Research Officer liaises with government and industry clients, develops and maintains relationships with academic and general staff and facilitates all governance aspects of the project process, especially contract negotiation and execution. The role also incorporates paralegal review of project agreements and other contractual documentation as directed.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

- Manage the end-to-end contractual process for research projects, including review, negotiation, execution, and preparation of supporting documentation, while ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures.
- Assess and triage project contracts for legal and administrative requirements, providing guidance in line with institutional frameworks.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including academic leads, Legal Services, Insurance, ethics teams, and industry partners to finalise agreements efficiently.
- Prepare complex documentation for tender and proposal submissions to government agencies and industry bodies in partnership with relevant staff.
- Deliver expert policy advice and subject matter expertise across diverse programs and activities within the research portfolio.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives for business processes within Griffith Enterprise and across the University to enhance support for commercial research activities.

About you




The successful candidate will have a degree and relevant experience, or an equivalent alternative combination of relevant knowledge, training and/or extensive experience in contract review, negotiation and management.

You will also have:

- Demonstrated experience in contract management including review, negotiation, and execution of complex agreements within a research or commercial environment.
- Strong knowledge of legal, policy, and compliance frameworks relevant to research administration and commercial activities.
- Proven ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders, including academic staff, legal advisors, and external partners, to achieve timely outcomes.
- High-level written and analytical skills for preparing complex documentation such as tenders, proposals, and contractual materials.
- Capacity to provide expert advice and interpret policy across a range of programs and activities.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to process improvement initiatives and enhance operational efficiency within research administration.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

What we can offer
This is a continuing, full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan) or Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The full-time base salary for a HEW Level 8 is in the range $117,579 - $132,273 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total package is in the range $137,567 - $154,759 per annum.

📌 Senior Commercial Research Officer (Nathan)
🏢 Griffith University
📍 Nathan