Job Reference:1041385

About the Role:

Are you ready to help shape the future by bringing groundbreaking research to market? We have a rare and exciting opportunity for a Business Development and Commercialisation Manager to join Curtin University’s Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship team and play a key role in turning world-class research into real-world impact.

In this role, you will work closely with leading researchers to uncover and promote the commercial potential of their innovations. You will build strong connections with industry and investors to secure commercial pathways for Curtin technologies, leading early negotiations that set the stage for successful licensing and partnership agreements.

You will get involved in a range of initiatives supporting innovators and start-ups, contributing to Curtin’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Explore more here.

If you’re driven by the idea of turning ideas into impact and creating opportunities that shape industries, this is your chance to be part of something extraordinary.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Promote awareness within the University of the value of commercialising research outcomes by coordinating and delivering presentations on intellectual property and commercialisation to staff and students.
• Identify University intellectual property with strong commercial potential.
• Build and maintain relationships with leading Curtin researchers to develop business and investment opportunities.
• Provide expert recommendations on commercialisation strategies, including investment, licensing, patenting, and the establishment of spin-out companies.
• Engage with industry partners, venture capital organisations, and the investment community to advocate for Curtin technologies.
• Lead commercial negotiations of collaborative research contracts and IP agreements, in consultation with Curtin Legal Services and external legal advisors as required.

We are looking for (Selection Criteria):

• Relevant postgraduate qualification in a technical or business discipline combined with commercial experience; or extensive, proven expertise in technology commercialisation.
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal and written communication skills, enabling effective engagement across all areas of business.
• Proven ability to work flexibly and collaboratively within small, multi-disciplinary teams in dynamic environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering successful business outcomes.
• Sound understanding and practical knowledge of intellectual property protection, and familiarity with commercial law.
• Skilled in interpreting complex legal documents.
• Strong business planning capabilities supported by solid knowledge of the Australian research and innovation landscape.
• Track record of commercialising one or more technologies (highly desirable).
• Experience in working in or with a research organisation (highly desirable).

Role Requirements:

1. As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role
2. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship

The Commercialisation team at Curtin works with researchers, investors, and industry partners to take Curtin innovations, assess their commercial potential, and find the best ways of bringing them to market.

Innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialisation are fundamental elements of the Curtin research mindset. We have a growing cohort of researchers who are engaged and interested in commercialising their research to achieve ongoing impact. We’re supporting these researchers and their collaborators through a range of mechanisms that enable and foster their ideas from conception to commercial success.

About Curtin University

We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more information, check out our benefits page!

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW and provide the following documents:

• CV
• Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria in the advert (2 page maximum)

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on [email protected] or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Applications close: Tuesday, 15 July 2025.

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.