• Legal Services Division
• This is a full-time, permanent position
• Base salary will be in the range $ 113,377 - $127,112 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
• Based at our picturesque St Lucia campus

About This Opportunity

An excellent opportunity is available for a Legal Counsel (Research and IP) based within the Legal Services Division. In this role, you will provide advice on legal issues relating to contract, commercial and intellectual property law matters relating to the research activities of the University. The position reports to Director, Legal Services (Research and IP) and the General Counsel.

You will be a part of a busy, hardworking, and collaborative legal team and will also provide legal advice on a wide range of other legal issues affecting UQ.

Working in an in-house environment, you are expected to be flexible and available to work across all streams of legal work (depending on client demands, expertise and priorities as directed by the Director Legal Services (Research and IP) and General Counsel.

Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Provide timely, high-quality legal advice to the Vice-Chancellor, Provost, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), other executive management and key decision makers across UQ.
• Provide advice on legal issues relating to contract, commercial and intellectual property law matters relating to the research activities and other intellectual property interests and transactions of the University.
• Provide legal advice in relation to the development and implementation of policies and procedures, and in relation to legislative programs, as required.
• Manage the provision of legal services outsourced to external legal providers to ensure value for money, quality and timeliness of work produced.

For a full copy of the position description, please contact [email protected]

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
• 17% superannuation contributions
• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options
• Health and wellness discounts - fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
• UQ Study for Staff
• On campus childcare options
• Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)
• Salary packaging options

About You

The successful applicant must be admitted as a Solicitor or Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland, with demonstrated relevant expertise and experience (a minimum of 3 years post admission experience is preferred). Additionally, you will demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in commercial, contract and intellectual property law.
• Demonstrated ability to draft a wide variety of legal documents, and to handle and resolve complex legal issues.
• Achieves results - solution focussed with sound judgement skills and commercial acumen.
• Ability to handle several projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Responds in a positive and flexible manner to change and uncertainty.
• Seeks guidance and advice when required.
• Communicates with influence - strong written and oral communications skills, as well as demonstrated interpersonal and negotiation skills that enable you to effectively communicate and liaise with a diverse range of clients with other stakeholders.
• Supports productive working relationships - demonstrated ability to build and sustain positive relationships with team members, internal clients, and external stakeholders.
• Teamwork - demonstrated ability to work both independently and to contribute effectively in a team environment in order to provide quality and timely client service and demonstrated ability to also work effectively under the supervision and direction of senior lawyers.
• You will be flexible and adaptable, prepared to work in a broad range of practice areas, and to undertake tasks at various levels of complexity (as is usual for an in- house legal practice).
• Demonstrated time management and organisational skills and a meticulous attention to detail, with a proven ability to prioritise tasks to meet competing deadlines with a high degree of accuracy in the context of minimal supervision.
• Supports strategic direction - focuses strategically. Understands UQ's objectives and the links between Legal Services, UQ and whole of University agenda. Able to consider the ramifications of a wide range of issues, anticipates priorities.
• Exemplifies personal drive and integrity - provides impartial and forthright advice. Remains positive and responds to pressure in a controlled manner. Maintains momentum and sustains effort despite criticism or setbacks.

Desirable

• Understanding of the legislative framework that applies to UQ or experience in acting for a statutory body or government entity.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ms Elise Neilson or Ms Cristy Sun, Legal Services (Research and Intellectual Property) Directors on [email protected]. For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the 'About You' section
• Resume

Other Information

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Sunday, 27 April 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-49840). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for 7 and 8 May 2025.

Applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The University of Queensland reserves the right to close this application process early.