Research Contracts Officer - closing 22 October 2020
Position: Research Contracts Officer
Work Area: Office of Research
Job ID: 20106
Classification: University of the Sunshine Coast Level 8
Appointment: Full-time, Ongoing
Location: Sippy Downs campus, Sunshine Coast
Supervisor: Manager, Research Funding
Incumbent: Vacant
USC VISION
USC will be a university of international standing and an unsurpassed community asset, focusing on the region from Moreton Bay to Fraser Coast.
UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC GOALS
USC will be:
a primary engine of capacity building for our region;
a comprehensive multi-campus university growing towards 35,000 students; and
positioned globally as a top-500 university, and a top-100 university under 50 years of age.
OVERVIEW OF OFFICE OF RESEARCH
The Office of Research provides research services and works towards achieving USC’s research plan that aims to establish the university as an international research leader in targeted fields of endeavour, so as to position the university for a ranking in the Times Higher Education World Ranking Top 150 Universities under 50 Years of Age by 2020. To support this achievement, the Office of Research provides oversight of strategy and planning, as well as offering a range of administrative and development services in three key areas:
Research funding, commercialisation, and industry engagement
Research ethics and integrity
Research performance information.
The Office of Research strives to drive a culture of diversity, integrity and professionalism as the external face of research at USC.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION
Management of all aspects of USC research contracts, including drafting, evaluation, negotiation and execution.
Undertake due diligence by identifying, minimising and removing potential risks to ensure that contract conditions are not detrimental to USC and comply with USC policy and external legislation.
Liaise and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that all research contracts are compliant with approved funding applications, funding rules and stakeholder requirements.
Advise on a range of general legal issues as well as commercial and contractual arrangements, intellectual property and related compliance and policy issues.
NATURE AND SCOPE OF POSITION
The Research Contracts Officer will support the Manager, Research Funding in the provision of a range of legal advice and due diligence in the management of University business, reputational and legal risk through the management of research contracts, and in support of the USC’s Office of Research.
With respect to research contractual matters and under the broad direction of the Manager, Research Funding, the Research Contracts officer will liaise with and support the Research Funding Team in the management of all aspects of USC research contracts, in order to minimise risk to USC and facilitate research funding. This will require the Research Contracts Officer to work closely with the Director, Office of Research and at times to liaise with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Commercialisation Advisor, Heads of School, Institute and Centre Directors and other relevant USC staff.
KEY ACCOUNTABILTIES OF THE POSITION
Provide legal advice that is contemporary with the Higher Education Sector and maintain membership with the Society of University Lawyers (SOUL), with a focus on supporting the university’s Office of Research.
Provide comprehensive project management support to project managers, ensuring an understanding of the contractual requirements of the University.
Lead and liaise with internal and external stakeholders for an efficient, timely, pragmatic and compliant negotiation of contracting terms when required.
Review, update and maintain USC contract templates to ensure quality control and provide education to the
Research Funding Team.
Identify, minimise and remove potential risks to ensure that contract conditions are not detrimental to the
interest of USC and achieve successful contract outcomes.
Lead in providing advice and solutions in critical and challenging contractual situations at a senior level.
Display the highest standards of ethical and professional behaviour at all times as a representative of USC.
Review and evaluate compliance with due diligence policies, developing and implementing measures to
encourage greater compliance through advocacy, education and communication.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Applicants need to demonstrate they meet the following selection criteria:
Education/Qualifications
- The appointee will have: a law degree, a current practicing certificate and extensive experience and expertise
in drafting, negotiating, advising on contracts within a university, commercial or government environment or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training.
Knowledge and skills
Demonstrate core values by acting in the best interest of your employer and with the standards of conduct
required for members of the legal profession; display service excellence by striving to deliver beyond expectations and taking ownership of the delivery; value working collaboratively, connecting with people and building relationships in your workplace.
A good working knowledge of contract law, and commercial contracting (with prior experience in commercial law, government, and intellectual property being desirable).
A sound knowledge of legislative and governance frameworks in a university environment; and a demonstrated ability to interpret legislation, policies and procedures and apply within the workplace.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to apply initiative, judgment and problem-solving skills, particularly to issues in commercial contracting.
Ability to engage in a range of approaches to generate solutions, seeking organisational input and advice to
apply innovative solutions.
Well-developed skills in time management, setting priorities, planning and organising own work and that of
others in order to meet deadlines.
Strong capacity to function as part of a team, including supporting other team members on a project-by-project
basis and to be able to develop close working relationship with relevant stakeholders, including with external legal service providers.
Commitment to the provision of quality service, with demonstrated ability to provide user friendly, responsive client service.
High level of digital literacy.
Additionally, in accordance with the University’s Staff Code of Conduct – Governing Policy, all staff are expected to display professional behaviour, communicate respectfully, and perform their duties responsibly.
A position description is not intended to limit the scope of a position but to highlight the key aspects of the position. The requirements of the position may be altered in order to meet the changing operational needs of the University.
For information on how to apply, please refer to the USC Careers page https://www.usc.edu.au/community/work-at-usc and access the position description
Closing date: Midnight, Thursday 22 October 2020
Contact for further information: Michelle Searle, Director – Office of Research +61 7 5459 4797 email: msearle@usc.edu.au
