* 2 x Full time, 3 year fixed term contracts available | Curtin Bentley Campus
* On-campus amenities including a gym, medical centre, and childcare facilities
* Generous leave entitlements and a variety of salary packaging options available
Reference Number: 1472656
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for two Business Development Managers to join our Research Partnerships team, working at the forefront of research and innovation. Reporting to the Director, Research Partnerships, you will play a key role in connecting industry needs with Curtin's world‐class research capability, helping translate ideas into impactful collaborations.
In this role, you will develop and maintain strategic relationships with industry, government and other external partners, negotiate collaborative agreements, and identify opportunities that align Curtin's research strengths with real‐world challenges. You will also lead and support the development of major research funding proposals, including coordinating business cases and contributing to competitive grant submissions.
This position is well suited to someone with a natural curiosity and a passion for working in a dynamic research and innovation environment. You will be instrumental in promoting the value of demand‐driven research to the Curtin research community, while also championing Curtin's expertise to industry and funding bodies – helping expand the university's research portfolio and maximise its societal and economic impact.
We have 2 x full‐time, 3‐year fixed‐term positions available, offering a salary range of $138,681 – $146,497 (G09) per annum, plus 17% superannuation and competitive benefits.
Your responsibilities will include
* Identify and develop research partnership opportunities aligned with the University's strategic priorities.
* Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective partners through proactive networking, outreach, and targeted engagement.
* Establish and maintain relationships with industry partners, government agencies, not‐for‐profit organisations, and other key stakeholders.
* Understand partner needs and objectives and align the University's research capabilities to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of research partnership strategies that support the university's long‐term research and engagement goals.
Who we are looking for (selection criteria)
* A relevant postgraduate qualification (such as an MBA) and extensive experience in business development; or an equivalent combination of significant experience and expertise.
* Strong commercial acumen, with a demonstrated track record of delivering successful business outcomes.
* Highly developed negotiation skills in all aspects of business.
* An established professional network within the business community, with proven ability to build and leverage strategic relationships.
* Sound knowledge of intellectual property protection and its application in collaborative and commercial environments.
* Working knowledge of commercial law, particularly as it relates to contracts and agreements relevant to partnership and research activities.
* Proven ability to interpret complex legal and commercial documentation and translate it into practical outcomes.
* Strong business planning and strategic thinking capabilities, with the ability to contribute to organisational objectives.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
* A collaborative approach, with demonstrated ability to work effectively within small, multidisciplinary teams.
* Knowledge of the Australian research and innovation system and its key stakeholders.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience working within or in partnership with a research organisation.
* Experience working within Health, Critical Minerals, or Business and Law sectors.
Role Requirements
* As this is a fixed‐term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.
* Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction.
Research at Curtin
Across all our research areas, we aim to strike a balance between demand‐driven research, which solves defined problems for industry and society, and researcher‐driven research, which is characterised by a desire to push the limits of understanding.
Our research is broad in scope, encompassing a range of fields in science, engineering, health, society, business and more. For more information, see research.curtin.edu.au.
About Curtin University
Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. 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 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 ensuring to attach the following documents:
* Up to date resume
* Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position's selection criteria (noted above) – no more than two pages
For any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.
Applications close: 8.30pm (AWST) on Wednesday, 01 April 2026. Late applications or applications received via email will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.
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.
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