Pla serves as the Research Contracts Officer (Research Legal) within UniSC's Office of Research. With a strong background in higher education research administration, Pla brings extensive experience from leading institutions, including the University of Queensland Graduate Research School, specialising in research agreements, scholarships, and compliance frameworks.

 Pla liaises with UniSC researchers, external stakeholders, and relevant staff to negotiate and finalise all aspects of research contracts, effectively managing risks to the university while facilitating research funding and strategic collaborations.