• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
• Full-time (100%), permanent position with a collaborative, high-performing team
• Base salary will be in the range $106,709.01 - $116,198.52 + 17% super (HEW Level 7)
• Based at our vibrant and picturesque St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking a Principal Research Industry and Government Development Officer to support researchers and senior leaders in research business development at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN).

At AIBN, you will be part of something bigger, contributing to work that delivers real impact for communities. In this highly visible role, you will represent the University while building strong, collaborative relationships with industry and government partners. You will bring excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills, along with a sound understanding of the research funding landscape.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Communication and External Engagement, and working closely with the Strategic Partnerships Office, you will play a key role in aligning partnership activity with AIBN and UQ research priorities.

Working alongside a diverse and high-performing community of researchers and professional staff, you will engage existing and prospective partners and support meaningful collaboration. Your work will help create opportunities for researchers to advance innovation and drive positive change.

Key responsibilities will include: 

Research Business Development

• Provide critical engagement and business development support to AIBN’s executive and researchers, driving strategic communication for business development.
• In conjunction with the Institute Executive, and the Senior Manager, Communication and External Engagement, analyse the strategic aims, research capabilities and activities within the Institute to contribute to a Business Development Strategy that generates research income through new, repeat and extension research partnerships.
• Devise and implement initiatives to increase awareness, understanding, and subsequent usage of AIBN capabilities by internal and external customers.
• Support AIBN Executive by identifying events and activities for their involvement, which will enhance AIBN’s reputation with new and existing stakeholders and partners.
• Liaise with researchers to translate technical information into persuasive narrative
• Maintain a source of up-to-date suitable content that could be used in proposals and identifying examples of best practice.

General

• Coordinate the production of reports, briefing notes, and documents that provide timely, accurate and relevant information to stakeholders including the Executive team, and academic staff.
• Prepare speeches, engagement and new business collateral, and social media posts as needed for Institute executive and researchers.
• Write content and develop collateral in line with the University’s brand requirements.
• Assess daily media coverage including political announcements, and advise the Institute Executive on appropriate routes to enhance engagement between academic staff and key stakeholders.
• Assist with the compilation and analysis of research data and metrics relevant to Institute business development and engagement performance.
• Any other duties as reasonably directed by supervisor.

Partnerships

• Proactively engage with the University’s Office of Strategic Partnerships – Government and Industry, to realise synergies between University mission-driven initiatives and those of the Institute.

About You  

You are an inquisitive and proactive professional with a passion for enabling research impact through partnerships and funding success. You combine strong commercial acumen with exceptional communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

You will bring:

• Relevant undergraduate qualifications and experience in business development and/or external engagement, preferably within higher education or research environments; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Demonstrated experience in successfully engaging with stakeholders including industry partners to support research collaboration outcomes
• Experience in the development of high-quality marketing and communication materials ideally in higher education, government agency or scientific industry.
• Strong knowledge of the higher education research funding landscape, including government and industry sources
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information into compelling narratives
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality stakeholder service
• The ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and organisational functions

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.

Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Trish Grammer - [email protected]

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.

Other Information 

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close 01 July 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-66461). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week commencing 6 July 2026.

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