Full time, 2 years fixed term opportunity
Drive national industry engagement for Australia’s microscopy research infrastructure
Base Salary $146,197 - $154,260 (HEO9) + 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
As the Business Development Manager (Microscopy Australia), you will lead national industry engagement for Microscopy Australia, raising awareness of microscopy services to increase the use and impact of our world‑class capabilities. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role plays a key part in translating research infrastructure into real‑world and commercial outcomes across Australia.
While employed by the University of Sydney, this is a national role and can be based anywhere in Australia, with regular domestic travel required.
About the team
Microscopy Australia is a consortium of university‑based microscopy facilities united by values of collaboration, accessibility, excellence and innovation. Funded by the Commonwealth Government under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), relevant state governments and with co‑investment by institutional partners, Microscopy Australia’s mission is to enable world‑class outcomes from Australian research by providing essential infrastructure to see the world at the micro, nano and atomic scale.
Each year, over 4,000 researchers from universities and industry use our instruments and expertise across facilities around Australia, with a further 100,000 users worldwide accessing our online training tools and resources. Microscopy Australia staff enjoy the benefits of working at the University of Sydney, including a good work‑life balance within an ambitious, yet caring and diverse workplace.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
lead national industry engagement and business development activities across Microscopy Australia’s partner network
build and manage relationships with industry, government, entrepreneurs and innovation stakeholders to translate research capability into impact‑driven collaboration
identify, negotiate and secure new R&D collaborations, partnerships and fee‑for‑service opportunities
help improve commercial engagement processes within and across the partner network
represent Microscopy Australia at industry events, conferences and roadshows
track, analyse and report on industry engagement, utilisation and outcomes.
About you
You are a commercially focused professional with significant experience developing industry partnerships in research, R&D or innovation driven environments. You will bring:
substantial experience (typically 5–10+ years) in senior business development, commercial or technology service roles
experience in microscopy or advanced research infrastructure is desirable but not essential
demonstrated success negotiating and managing commercial and industry agreements
experience working within or alongside higher education, research infrastructure or innovation ecosystems
demonstrated ability to work strategically, collaboratively and productively across organisations, projects and multi-disciplinary teams
excellent time management and organisational skills with a track record of managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines and independently work under pressure on multiple tasks
ability to translate complex technical capability into clear value propositions for industry
experience using CRM systems and reporting engagement outcomes
postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Turle, Recruitment Operations by email to nicole.turle@sydney.edu.au
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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Monday 08 June 2026 11:59 PM