• Lead research excellence through legal expertise, governance, and strategic leadership
• Full time, continuing contract
• Offering a competitive SPS A remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Research Post-Award team supports the effective administration and management of research funding after grants have been awarded. We work closely with researchers, faculty, and professional services to ensure compliance, financial stewardship, and streamlined processes that enable impactful research outcomes.

As the Associate Director, Research Contracts, you will lead the contractual and governance functions of research contracts at the University. This role combines legal insight with operational leadership, ensuring high standards of compliance, efficiency, and service delivery across research administration. You will provide expert guidance on complex contractual issues, operations best practice, and lead a team supporting the University's research community.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team of contract and research support professionals
• work closely with researchers, legal counsel, and senior leaders to support contract administration
• represent the Post Award team with professionalism and credibility
• manage with integrity, empathy, and resilience in a dynamic and complex environment
• provide expert advice on contract drafting, negotiation, execution, and compliance, including engagement with internal legal counsel
• use data and analytical insights to drive the strategic direction of research contract operations, including improvements in efficiency, reporting, risk management, and policy development
• refine stakeholder engagement practices to enhance service delivery and collaboration
• oversee strategic resource planning, budgeting, and performance reporting across the research contracts function.

About you

Are you a legally trained leader with a passion for supporting research impact? We are looking for someone who has:

• extensive experience in research contract administration, negotiation, and compliance within a complex environment, preferably including the Higher education sector
• a self-aware leadership style that reflects emotional resilience, adaptability, and an inclusive mindset
• a track record of leading and transforming professional teams, enhancing performance through mentoring, goal alignment, and a commitment to staff development and engagement
• significant experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex research contracts in a large and regulated environment
• proven ability to use data to provide strategic foresight, operational planning and continuous improvement.
• a proven ability to advise stakeholders and influence contract outcomes in line with the University's priorities.

If you're ready to shape the future of research contract administration, we'd love to hear from you.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rachel Strong Recruitment Operations by email at [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.