Senior Manager, Research Partnerships and Development

Sustainable Minerals Institute Full-time (100%), permanent position Base salary will be in the range $135,300.48 - $143,081.86 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 9) Based at our St Lucia Campus About This Opportunity Join us as Senior Manager, Research Partnerships and Development and play a pivotal role in shaping the University’s industry and stakeholder engagement strategy. In this dynamic position, you’ll collaborate with our research community and key stakeholders to identify and forge new partnerships, nurture development opportunities, and manage existing and future collaborations. Your work will strengthen our connectivity with industry and other stakeholders and advance impactful research outcomes. Key responsibilities will include: Research Partnerships Management Advise staff and students on contractual matters, including complex and routine Research Agreement terms, intellectual property, consultancy, translation and commercialisation considerations. Act as the primary point of contact for high‑level management of research contracts and agreements, from initial negotiation through to execution, including triaging and troubleshooting agreements for legal and administrative review and coordinating instructions to Research Legal. Provide strategic recommendations to the Director, Research Partnerships on appropriate pathways for contract management, ensure researchers complete agreement schedules, understand contractual milestones and obligations, and manage priority cases for high‑value agreements such as ARC, Industrial Transformation Projects, and Collaborative Research Agreements. Funding Opportunity Identification and Strategy Provide expert advice and strategic guidance on improving performance in funding rounds and project applications, responding to policy changes impacting the research community, strengthening external collaborations, and delivering targeted information to support a more strategic approach to research management. Develop and implement strategies to enhance the University’s capacity to secure external competitive and other research funding, including facilitating access to expanded national and international funding opportunities, building linkages, and working closely with senior executives on major strategic funding initiatives. Manage complex grant application rounds, planning and delivering funding seminars/workshops as necessary, compiling and analysing submission data, overseeing post‑award administration related to the role, and providing specialist guidance to researchers on industry contacts and funding opportunities such as ARC and CRC‑linked grants. Oversee and ensure compliance in post‑award contract administration, liaising with key University sections such as the UQ Research Office, MyResearch team, Human Resources and Contract & Grants Accounting, and supporting Institute/Centre/School business management team. Collaboration Collaborate across the University with academic and professional staff especially in the SMI, work closely with UniQuest on commercialisation and IP matters arising from research projects, and foster a partnering mindset that connects, convenes, and catalyses opportunities. Researcher Support Provides high‑level advice to researchers regarding budget preparation, consistent with the University’s Research and Consultancy Costing and Pricing Procedure. 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/paid primary care leave 17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight 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 Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal‑only vacancies and our Study for Staff program On campus childcare options Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day) Salary packaging options About You Postgraduate qualifications and extensive contract management and/or research development experience (preferably in the tertiary education or research sectors); or an undergraduate degree, extensive contract/research development experience, proven management expertise and other relevant education/training. Demonstrated skills in research contract administration, contract management, research development and project management at a senior level, preferably within a large, complex institution. A high level of oral, written and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to organise and prioritise tasks for team and individual responsibilities, including the ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines. Evidence of assimilating new information rapidly and deploying such knowledge to the benefit of the organisation. Ability to focus on achieving outcomes while ensuring compliance with a broad policy and procedural framework, e.g. at a university or similar complex organisation. Proven ability to work autonomously and be self‑motivated, combined with a high level of initiative, drive and enthusiasm. 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 Melissa Glendenning at For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at , stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. Want to Apply? We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload: Resume A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section Our strength 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. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact 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. Applications close Thursday 4 December at 11.00pm AEST (R-58829). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing Monday 8 December. #LI-DNI #J-18808-Ljbffr