Business Development Manager – Research Services (TRaCE)

Base Salary: $116,596 - $136,030 plus 17% superannuation

Position: Full time, fixed term until 30 June 2027

Location: Callaghan, NSW

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager – Research Services to join the TRaCE initiative, driving innovation and research translation in collaboration with external partners. This role plays a pivotal part in accelerating industry-academia engagement by developing and managing strategic programs that support impactful research outcomes.

Working within a dedicated business unit, you will partner closely with the TRaCE Business Development Manager to provide technical expertise and foster industry partnerships. Your contribution will be essential in underpinning the successful development of business activity, promotion of research capabilities and collaborative partnerships.

You will also provide strategic advice to the NIER Deputy Director and TRaCE UON Director, while collaborating with colleagues across the University of Newcastle and UNSW. Key responsibilities include facilitating stakeholder engagement, supporting research teams, and overseeing reporting requirements for TRaCE research projects.

About You

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

• A graduate or postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, along with extensive experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training.
• Proven experience in business development within innovation/prototyping ecosystems, research translation, or R&D related commercial operations.
• A strong track record in development, implementation, delivery and evaluation of business processes, service models and industry engagement initiative development.
• Exceptional facilitation, negotiation, influencing and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to manage challenging relationships, gain consensus and influence outcomes to establish effective working partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of engineering, research prototyping, and manufacturing processes, including typical equipment and capabilities.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the capacity to think creatively, act strategically and manage change, effectively managing stakeholders, issues and risks.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to deliver expert advice and evidence-based recommendations.

Please note, as part of the recruitment process you will need to formally address each criterion of the Selection Criteria (including desirable criterion) in your application. You will find the complete list of Selection Criteria in the attached Position Description.

About our university

The University of Newcastle is a global leader committed to equity and excellence, with a vision to create a better future for our regions and the world. Guided by our Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020–2025, we deliver exceptional student experiences and impactful research that serves our communities. Our values of excellence, equity, engagement, and sustainability, underpin everything we do.

As part of our Research and Innovation Division, the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) brings together multidisciplinary teams to deliver sustainable solutions across energy, resources, food, and water sectors. NIER leads initiatives like the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), co-led with UNSW, which accelerates disruptive technologies from research to global deployment, supported by industry collaboration, workforce development, and university reform.

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.

These include:

• flexible working arrangements (in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy);
• 17% super and salary packaging;
• additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme;
• discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more;
• wellbeing programs.

For information on our employee benefits please visit here.  

Your next steps

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. It’s important you read this document to ensure you are providing all the requirements of your application.

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application.

Your application must include:

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
• A statement formally addressing each criterion of the Essential and Desirable Criteria, as provided in the relevant Position Description attached below.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For the full list of the selection criteria and role responsibilities, please download the Position Description (available in the Related Documents section below).

For specific position enquiries, please contact the TRaCE Program Manager, Sam Kirk, via email at sam.kirk1@newcastle.edu.au.

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: 31 July 2025 at 11.59pm AEST

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you!

Move to Newcastle

A move to Newcastle, Australia offers you the choice to live in the city, by the sea or near bushland - the region offers a wonderful place for a family to grow and the opportunity to strike a work/life balance.

Visit the City of Newcastle site to imagine your future in Newcastle.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.  

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.

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