Job Overview & Organization Mission

Lead research grant funding strategies, industry tech transfer, and commercial patent licensing for Australia’s #1 research institution at unimelb.

The University of Melbourne is seeking a distinguished Associate Director of Research Grants & Commercialization to join our Research, Innovation and Commercialization (RIC) portfolio at the historic Parkville campus. You will lead pre-award and post-award research governance, maximize competitive grant funding (ARC, NHMRC, Medical Research Future Fund), negotiate intellectual property licensing, and launch high-impact deep-tech university spin-outs.

As a key member of the team at University of Melbourne in Melbourne, VIC, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Lead strategy: Lead strategy and operational delivery for multi-hundred-million-dollar research grant portfolios across medical, engineering, and science faculties.
• Identify commercialization: Identify commercialization opportunities, manage patent filings, and negotiate spin-out equity terms with venture capital funds.
• Build strategic: Build strategic research partnerships with global corporate entities, defense innovators, and government agencies.
• Oversee research: Oversee research compliance with defense trade controls, foreign interference guidelines, and human ethics frameworks.
• Mentor academic: Mentor academic researchers and faculty deans on competitive fellowship applications and commercialization pitches.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at University of Melbourne, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: PhD or Master’s in Science, Engineering, Law or Business Administration.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 8+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• 8+ years of senior leadership experience in university research administration, technology transfer, or commercial R&D.
• Deep understanding of national competitive research schemes (ARC, NHMRC, MRFF) and intellectual property law.
• Demonstrated track record of negotiating commercial tech licensing agreements and spin-out funding.
• PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant scientific, engineering, or legal/commercial field.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At University of Melbourne, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$170,000 – AU$205,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Executive package ($170,000 – $205,000) + 17% superannuation (standard higher education benefit).
• Iconic Parkville campus with sandstone courtyards, academic library access, and flexible hybrid working.
• Generous family leave policies, university wellness memberships, and staff study fee discounts.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is Australia’s leading research university, consistently ranked #1 in Australia and among the finest in the world.

University of Melbourne is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official University of Melbourne careers gateway.