Primary Purpose of Position
The $238 million, 10-year Solutions for Manufacturing Advanced Regenerative Therapies Cooperative Research Centre (SMART CRC) brings together a consortium of industry leaders, research institutions, government, peak bodies and healthcare providers to develop cutting-edge solutions in cell and gene therapy manufacturing, automation and supply chain integration. With a strong focus on reducing costs, improving scalability and enabling clinical adoption, the SMART CRC is set to transform the landscape of regenerative therapies in Australia and globally.
As a national centre, the SMART CRC will focus on critical areas such as biomanufacturing, bioseparation, biomaterials, and clinical enablement, while also developing the workforce of the future. It will drive industry growth and ensure innovations remain onshore, strengthening Australia's self-sufficiency in manufacturing. Prioritising inclusion, the SMART CRC brings diverse talent to the forefront, fostering a workforce prepared to meet future sustainability and innovation challenges.
The Head of Research Development role is a strategic connector and project catalyst. They are responsible for building and stewarding a portfolio of collaborative, multi partner projects that tackle industry defined challenges in regenerative therapies. The role will also support the Training Manager to implement the centre's strategy for global and domestic workforce development programs, ensuring alignment between industry needs and government and academic training solutions. The Head of Research Development role will have extensive experience in managing large scale, complex partnerships with a focus on driving collaborative, industry leading research initiatives. A strong focus on mentoring, active partner engagement and developing a collaborative culture is essential in this fast-paced centre.
Key responsibilities include:
Stakeholder engagement
* Build and maintain trusted relationships across biotechnology companies, regenerative therapy manufacturers, hospitals, government agencies and research organisations.
* Act as a neutral broker to align industry challenges with research solutions that create shared value.
* Support the work of cross-functional teams in the manufacturing, validation and commercialisation of regenerative therapy assets.
* Help develop, implement and monitor the company's research strategy in alignment with centre goals.
* Identify and engage researchers in partner organisations to participate in projects.
* Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and ethical research and development practices.
* Future-scanning to identify emerging trends and technologies to inform the product pipeline development.
* Represent the SMART CRC at conferences, advisory boards and public forums when requested.
Strategic partnerships & funding
* In partnership with the SMART CRC Executive, cultivate relationships with research institutions, government agencies and industry stakeholders, including frequent in-person communication.
* Lead project discussions with partner organisations through various funding applications to support research initiatives.
Project development
* Collaboratively source, scope and refine industry challenges in regenerative therapies and translate them into structured, fundable project concepts.
* Facilitate co-design workshops between industry, academic and government partners to develop high impact multi-party projects.
* Lead project proposal development and support partners in preparing funding submissions across CRC programs and external schemes, ensuring projects meet the centre's funding guidelines.
* Support the work of cross-functional teams in the manufacturing, validation, and commercialisation of regenerative therapy assets.
* Collaborate with research project teams to translate research into a scalable pipeline.
* Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with tech transfer offices to ensure positive outcomes.
Training & workforce development
* Work with the SMART CRC Executive and Training Manager to ensure training programs remain consistent with the research strategy of the SMART CRC and to provide mentorship to early career researchers, project leads and partner representatives in collaboration, communication and translation skills
Required skills & knowledge:
The Head of Research Development role will be a strategic leader in public-private-partnerships with deep knowledge in driving collaborative research partnerships across research institutions, industry and government with attributes that include:
* A proven record in establishing and enabling complex public-private partnerships and government biomedical science programs.
* A clear team player with a demonstrated ability to build trust, facilitate dialogue and resolve misalignment across a broad range of stakeholder groups.
* A strong focus on mentoring and developing a collaborative culture.
* Proven leadership in developing, managing and delivering complex projects.
* Entrepreneurial and inquisitive mindset with a passion for innovation.
* Ability to navigate fast-paced startup environments focussed on outcomes.
* Commitment to ethical research and inclusive training practices.
* Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills.
* High levels of ethics, trust, values and integrity.
* Experience in supporting training programs is highly desirable.
Qualifications
A postgraduate degree, or equivalent qualifications and/or extensive relevant experience in a similar role in a large and complex organisation.
Organisational Relationships
The position reports to the SMART CRC Chief Executive Officer.
Location
Based in Brisbane at the University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.
Why join us?
We're a community driven by purpose, innovation and collaboration. You'll be part of a team that values your growth and well-being. We offer a competitive salary, employer superannuation contributions, 20 days of annual leave and a comprehensive benefits package. You'll have access to professional development opportunities and flexible work arrangements.