Commercialisation Manager (Biotech)

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university.  You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Playing a critical role in supporting Griffith's ambitions is Griffith Enterprise, the university’s dedicated commercialisation office, managing and commercialising the universities intellectual property and research expertise. Griffith Enterprise’s mission is to manage and facilitate the commercialisation of intellectual property and research excellence from Griffith University researchers via the most appropriate commercialisation pathway, ensuring optimum outcomes for all of our partners whilst protecting and enhancing the reputation of the university. By translating and commercialising ground-breaking technologies and research excellence, empowering a culture of collaboration, and prioritising our partner’s needs we help them achieve their strategic ambitions and generate global impact.

As the Commercialisation Manager (Biotech) you will be responsible for identifying, developing and leading commercialisation opportunities, transactions and strategic initiatives in the area of life sciences/therapeutics as part of the Life Science team that focusses on areas encompassing biomedical technologies, diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics and digital health.

You will work closely with Griffith researchers to identify and assess potential new intellectual property and through business development activities negotiate commercialisation transactions such as licences, start-ups, research agreements to take the research to the market.

You will play a key role in advancing commercialisation awareness and skills across the University and, along with key Griffith staff, engaging with partners to help shape strategic partnerships.  As a senior member of the team, you will lead all aspects of the commercialisation and IP management process, from early-stage research to the negotiations of deals and establishing start-up companies.

About you
To be successful in this role you will hold a postgraduate degree and relevant experience, or 5+ years of experience and a strong track record of success in identifying, managing and commercialising intellectual property in the field of Life Science based research through licences, research collaborations and/or start-ups.

You will also have technical knowledge in a relevant area of Life Sciences and demonstrated business development expertise and a track record will be required. Your ability to deal with complex situations and communicate clearly will be an asset to the team.

Demonstrated skills required to assess early-stage technologies and understand intellectual property (IP) management and protection, including patents and other forms of IP; identify and negotiate commercial opportunities; and a proven ability to scope, pitch and negotiate commercialisation transactions are essential.

You will need to be a self-starter and team player. You will be given the autonomy and responsibility to make a significant contribution to Griffith Enterprise and the University.

What we can offer
This is a continuing, full-time position and will be primarily based at Griffith University’s Brisbane South (Nathan) or Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.  Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've 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

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re 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. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s 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
• A non-confidential deal sheet highlighting deal track record

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights for the duration of the appointment. 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, Dr Mark Ashton, Director, Griffith Enterprise on [email protected].

For application support, please contact People Services on +61 (0) 7 373 54011 quoting reference number REF7588E.

Closing date:  Monday, 26 May 2025 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.