National Biologics Facility based at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)
Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 2 years
Base salary will be in the range $115,645.22 - $129,654.48 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
Based at our St Lucia Campus
The National Biologics Facility (NBF) is Australia's leading biologics manufacture hub. NBF is located at the University of Queensland and is supported by Therapeutic Innovation Australia. NBF enables Australian researchers to translate their biomedical discoveries from bench to bedside.
The Strategic Development Manager will drive the growth, partnerships, and long-term sustainability of the National Biologics Facility (NBF). In this position, you will assist in shaping and delivering the NBF strategic plan, building a strong external engagement pipeline, and converting opportunities into high-value projects and platforms that align with national priorities in biologics discovery, development, and manufacturing. Your role will include assisting in the administration of NBF.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Business Management
Oversee the day-to-day business administration of NBF in partnership with the Operations Manager.
Assist with the management of research contracts and agreements from initial negotiation to execution.
Develop, collate and consolidate data for ongoing review of key performance indicators and prepare reports, submissions or briefing notes for internal and external bodies, including progress reports from funding agencies.
Assist with NBF human resource requirements including recruitment activities
Advise the Director and staff generally on the identification, management and mitigation of contractual and strategic risk.
Strategic Development
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to support achievement of NBF objectives.
Develop and drive the NBF marketing and communication strategy plus champion public outreach initiatives to promote NBF activities online (website and social media etc.).
Coordinate events, conferences and other large scale meetings and team activities.
Represent NBF in industry and research forums inside and outside the University.
Support the development, implementation, and periodic review of the NBF strategic plan, including clear growth targets across research, industry, and government engagement.
Identify, cultivate, and secure strategic partnerships with academic groups, biotech and pharma companies, government agencies, and philanthropic organisations.
Work with NBF scientific and operational leaders to scope new service offerings, technology platforms, and capability investments that meet market and national needs.
Prepare compelling value propositions, business cases, and investment proposals that articulate NBF competitive advantage and impact.
Support the authoring or consolidation activities for major funding applications and tenders.
Track sector trends and competitor activity to inform positioning, pricing, and partnership strategy.
As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.
Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.
Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:
Up to 26 weeks paid parental leave/paid primary care leave
17% superannuation contributions + 17.5% annual leave loading
Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
Career development opportunities –access to exclusive internal-only vacancies and our Study for Staff program
On campus childcare options
Affordable parking (from just $6.40 a day)
Salary packaging options
We are seeking an exceptional and experienced Strategic Development Manager to manage the business operations and assist in the growth and sustainability of the NBF.
You will have:
At least five to ten years of postgraduate experience in a relevant area (e.g. bioprocessing, pharmacy, biotechnology), or extensive communications, business and/or management expertise, or an equivalent combination of relevant industry experience and/or education/training.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic and operational plans, with the ability to analyse critically, identify problems and develop solutions.
Demonstrated ability to champion NBF marketing and communication strategy and lead public outreach initiatives to promote online NBF activities online (website and social media etc.)
Experience in the management and administration of complex research projects with a focus on financial and budget planning, resource management, development of policies and procedures and reporting.
Highly developed interpersonal, influencing, and negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to build both internal and external relationships and networks with key stakeholders.
Proven digital literacy at an advanced level in key Microsoft products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, as well as corporate applications for financial and resource management.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to produce clear, succinct documentation, and work both independently and as part of a team.
Proven ability to work to deadlines and manage competing priorities and adaptability and flexibility in approach to problem-solving to meet changing needs.
Willingness and ability to exercise judgement and accept responsibility.
Desirable
Working knowledge of University of Queensland administrative systems, policies and procedures or the capacity to rapidly acquire this knowledge.
Knowledge of the biologics manufacturing industry or process development and scale-up in a GMP or similar regulated environment.
The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, conduct concerning gender-based violence, criminal check, education check, mandatory immunisations etc.
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.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact A/Prof Seth Cheetham - s.cheetham@uq.edu.au
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:
Resume
A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section
Our strength as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.
UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.
Applications close Sunday 11 January 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-59693). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for January 2026.