Senior Commercial Research Officer

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university.  You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

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 environment.

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.

Additional Information

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Mr Scott Baxter, Associate Director, Commercial Research on (07) 373 57312 or via email:  [email protected]

For application support, please contact People Services on (07) 373 54011 and quote reference number REF11278E.

Closing date:  Monday, 21 September 2026 at 11.59pm AEST.  All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.