Senior Adviser, Research Contracts

  • The University of Western Australia
  • Australia, WA
  • Jun 25, 2026
Research
  •  

    Job Description:

    • Play a senior role in negotiating and managing research agreements supporting nationally and internationally significant research.
    • Work closely with researchers, partners and UWA Legal to resolve contractual issues in a practical, solutions-focused way.
    • Full-time appointment on an ongoing basis.
    • Base salary range: $116,262 – $127,078 p.a. plus 17% superannuation.

    About the area

    The Office of Research is responsible for formulating and providing policy advice, and for developing and implementing procedures to effectively coordinate and administer externally and internally funded research. Within the Office of Research, the Research Operations Division is responsible for securing and administering research grants, industry sponsored research, and research fellowships, and the Post-Award Team supports the successful delivery of funded research by providing practical advice on contracts, funding management and compliance, including coordination of reporting, milestones and project lifecycle requirements.

    About the opportunity

    • Take a senior role in reviewing and negotiating a wide range of research agreements, including funding agreements, material/data transfer agreements, confidentiality agreements and multi-institution collaboration arrangements.
    • Provide practical, risk-based advice on contracts and intellectual property to researchers and stakeholders across the University.
    • Work closely with the University’s Legal team to resolve complex contractual issues and support effective research partnerships.

    About you

    • Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating complex contracts, ideally in a research, government or commercial environment.
    • Strong judgement and ability to identify and manage contractual risks in a practical way.
    • Proven ability to analyse agreements, identify issues or gaps, and work collaboratively to resolve them.
    • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence outcomes across diverse groups.
    • Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver accurate, high-quality work to deadlines.

    Note: Employment checks will include information on gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and related misconduct to meet legal obligations

    Position description: PD - Senior Adviser, Research Contracts 523734.pdf

    To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Helen Tanner via

    [email protected]

    For enquiries on the recruitment process, please contact Wendy Young at [email protected]

    How to apply

    Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

    Closing date: 11:55 PM AWST on Thursday, 9 July 2026

    This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

    About the University

    The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to innovate and inspire, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

    Learn more about us.

    Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

    UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

    If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

    If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at [email protected] with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.



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