- Employment Type: Full time, Fixed Term 2-year role
- Remuneration: Level 8; From $123,044 + 17% superannuation
- Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working model)
About UNSW
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society.
About the Role
The Lawyer is part of the IP & Commercialisation team within UNSW’s Legal & Compliance Office, supporting the University across intellectual property, research, and commercialisation matters. This includes reviewing research and industry funding agreements, IP licences and assignments, clinical trial and device supply agreements, and setting up start-ups, spin-offs, research centres, hubs, affiliations, and joint ventures—both locally and internationally. The team also supports course development services, manages the University's trade mark portfolio, and advises on copyright.
Under the guidance of the Senior Legal Counsel and senior team members, the Lawyer provides practical legal support in a timely and professional manner. The role also assists with broader legal work across the IP & Commercialisation and Legal & Compliance teams. The Lawyer reports to the Senior Legal Counsel and has no direct reports.
Specific accountabilities for this role include:
- Proactively provide expert legal advice in a solution-focused, timely, practical and effective manner, consistent with applicable law and UNSW policies and procedures.
- Utilise various databases and conduct IP ownership due diligence on various types of technologies, prepare reports and provide advice to the UNSW staff with responsibility for IP commercialisation.
- Provide expert advice on and assist with the identification, protection, and management of IP within the context of UNSW’s IP policies and procedures.
- Act with a higher degree of independence to effectively negotiate, draft (in a clear and concise manner) and advise on the wide range of agreements allocated to the team.
- Proactively partner with senior leaders to provide effective strategic Legal solutions that are aligned to the business priorities.
- Proactively contribute to the development and maintenance of a UNSW Legal & Compliance Office Knowledge Management System, including development and maintenance of templates and a legal advice database.
- Manage the development and delivery of legal training programs and projects.
- Lead and contribute in a proactive and collaborative mindset with other members of the UNSW Legal and Compliance team including actively sharing knowledge and experience, contributing at team meetings, supervising legal interns, and supporting specific team projects as required.
- Proactively provide advice and facilitate the resolution of potential or actual disputes, including the use of alternative dispute resolution, to effectively minimise the University’s legal risks.
About You
- Tertiary qualifications in law with a minimum of 4 years’ post qualification experience in a highly regarded law firm and/or in house legal team with experience in at least one of the following disciplines:
- Research and IP commercialisation
- Copyright
- Trade Marks
- Patents; or
- Corporate/commercial (including an understanding of the application of the Corporations Law to privately held companies).
- Admission to the Supreme Court of NSW and a current practising certificate (or admission in another Australian jurisdiction and eligible to be admitted and practice in NSW).
- Extensive experience in searching and reporting on IP and other relevant databases.
- Outstanding organisational and time management skills, including accuracy and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands.
- Proven ability to influence senior management and stakeholders as appropriate to ensure successful outcomes, with demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills.
- Strong business acumen and a demonstrated capability to identify and deliver high level Legal support required in the achievement of business objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to manage more complex Legal issues with minimal direction.
- Ability to apply judgement, creativity and flexibility to generate new and innovative ideas and approaches and to solve complex problems.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description
How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the job description) before Sunday 22 June at 11:55pm.
Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.
UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:
- Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
- Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
- Career development opportunities
- Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
- Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
- Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
Job queries contact: Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant
E: tai.james@unsw.edu.au (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
