Senior Commercial Research Officer

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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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 $117579 - $132273 per annum plus 17% employer superannuation. The total package is in the range $137567 - $154759 per annum.

Additional Information :

Why Griffith
As a values-led organisation at Griffith University weve 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 were committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever youre 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 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 Griffiths 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)or via email: 

For application support please contact People Services on (07)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.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time