Salary and Contract Details
Annual base salary from $126,306 - $140,543 (HEW Level 8) plus 17% employer's superannuation contribution and annual leave loading (base salary will be commensurate with experience).
Full-time, 12 month fixed-term contract.
Flexible working arrangement and supportive team, based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal campus, North Ryde.
About the Role
The Research Awards team within central Research Services has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Research Contracts Specialist to join our dynamic and highly productive team on a full-time 12-month fixed term basis.
This role is perfectly suited to someone with research post award experience and a strong understanding of the legal requirements underpinning university-related research.
This role will manage a range of research contracts negotiations from Category 1 funded grants to industry funded projects and everything in between.
Your ability to apply your previous legal and/or research post award experience to new circumstances and contracts will see you excel in this role.
The Research Awards team fosters a positive team culture and we look forward to having you join our team!
Key Accountabilities
Draft, review and negotiate in a timely manner a range of research, research-related, consultancy and research commercialisation contracts, ensuring the terms are compliant with external investment rules (if applicable) and University policies and requirements.
Provide contractual advice regarding research contracts and partnerships to researchers and professional services staff.
Effectively manage a busy caseload of research and research related contracts from conception to execution.
Take a pragmatic, commercially aware approach to managing contractual risks associated with research, research-related and commercialisation contracts.
Perform due diligence, in consultation with the National Security and Defence Manager on external partners to ensure compliance with Commonwealth legislation relating to foreign interference and national security legislation.
Liaise with external funding agencies, business partners, research collaborators and external peer networks to inform and enable best practice in research agreement negotiation and execution.




Liaise with key internal stakeholders to enable efficient and streamlined contract management processes.
Role Specific Enquiries
Contact: Dorothy Pham, Senior Research Awards Manager, ******
Application Close Date
Application Close Date: Monday, 9 November at 11:59pm (AEST)
Applications Close: 09/11/2026 11:59 PM
Please note we reserve the right to progress or decline an application as well as close the advertisement prior to the stated closing date.
Selection Criteria
Demonstration of having a solid understanding of the contractual arrangements that accompany research, preferably within the higher education sector or an equivalent environment.
Proven ability to draft, review and critique a wide range of draft research funding agreements and to provide clear, concise feedback and advice to stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to work systematically and simultaneously on multiple projects with different levels of priority and complexity, whilst meeting deadlines in a timely manner.
Demonstrated capacity to perform due diligence on matters to ensure compliance with relevant internal and external policies, such as internal IP policies and external legislation pertaining to foreign interference.
A relevant tertiary qualification in law or equivalent combination of qualifications and relevant work experience.
Applicants who fail to address the selection criteria may not be given further consideration during the selection process.
Desirable: A strong understanding of IP protection, filing and commercialisation processes, strategies and related legal agreements and their negotiation.
Additional Requirements
Please note that this role requires a criminal history check.
Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University.
See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace.




Why work at Macquarie?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives.
Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university.
Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community.
We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index.
Our Values
Our values — Collective Ambition, Purposeful Collaboration, Bold Innovation, and Genuine Care — are at the heart of everything we do and by living our values, we unlock the true potential of You to the Power of Us.
Fostering Belonging
Our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework ********* and our Flexible Work approach support Macquarie's vision by building a community where everyone truly feels safe and like they belong.
We acknowledge the richness of each individual's identity and the potential that brings.
This diversity amplifies You to the Power of Us and creates an inclusive environment that leads to better outcomes for all.
Through a nurturing and fair environment, we are a workplace that enables you to balance both your personal needs and professional goals.
What we offer?
When you join Macquarie University, you gain access to a supportive, flexible workplace designed to help you thrive.
Our benefits include:
17% Superannuation
Subsidised onsite parking options
Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
Extensive training and professional development programs
Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
Onsite vacation care during school holidays
Discounted health insurance
Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics
Campus
Just 15km from Sydney's CBD and with access to Australia's only dedicated university metro station, our Wallumattagal Campus in Macquarie Park offers a vibrant and inspiring place to work—right in one of the world's greatest cities.
Privacy
For further information about how the University, collects, uses and discloses personal information about you, refer to the privacy policy.
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📌 Research Contracts Specialist (Sydney)
🏢 Macquarie University Employees, Location, Alumni
📍 Sydney