Contracts Officer – Research Grants & Contracts

The Opportunity

• Full-time (35 hrs per week), permanent role based at UNSW Kensington campus
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements, including a 9-day fortnight option
• Salary starting from $118,483+ 17% superannuation + leave loading

About the Team

Research Grants and Contracts (RGC) within the Division of Research and Enterprise contributes to UNSW Sydney’s research performance and profile via the effective management of the University’s research income. RGC is the key link between UNSW researchers, executive and external funding agencies such as the NHMRC, ARC, other government and non-government research funders, philanthropic competitive grant funders and industry partners.

Each year the RGC manages more than 2,800 applications and 6,000 ongoing projects, supporting more than 2,000 UNSW academics. The Contracts Officer will manage the review, provide advice and negotiate competitive and contract research agreements.

The Role

Reporting to a Contracts Manager, you’ll be responsible for reviewing, advising on, and negotiating competitive and contract research agreements. This role works closely with colleagues across UNSW, including the Legal Office, Industry & Innovation, and other RGC teams.

Why UNSW?

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community—but what sets us apart is how we work. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful. It’s this approach that makes our work matter and contributes to UNSW being Australia's #1 university for impact and one of the nation’s Top 20 employers.

Benefits & Culture

UNSW offers a competitive salary, plus access to a wide range of benefits, including:

• Flexible/hybrid working (3 days per week onsite at Kensington)
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Staff discounts and entitlements
• Affordable on-campus parking

About You

You will have demonstrated experience in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, executing, and managing a high volume of agreements within a complex environment. Please refer to the Position Description for the full list of Skills & Experience required.

How to Apply: If contributing to improving the researcher experience is of interest to you, please submit your CV and Cover Letter via the Apply button before 11.55pm, Monday 23^rd November 2026. As part of the application process, you will also be asked to respond to two short free-format questions designed to help us better understand your experience.  A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.

Contact: Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above. 

Pre-Employment Checks

As part of our recruitment process candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from women, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. 

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