"Manager, Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance (QDA)"

About This Opportunity

The Manager, Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance (QDA) is a vital role expected to lead the business and operational administration of the QDA. The primary function is to ensure the operational effectiveness of the Alliance, manage stakeholder engagement and reporting, and support the implementation of research projects. The position is responsible for identifying growth opportunities and developing them into large strategic partnerships.

Key responsibilities will include:

Operations & Project Management

Lead the commercialisation and protection of quantum technologies by developing pathways such as start-ups, licensing and government contracts. Oversee delivery of the Alliance strategy by tracking milestones, coordinating partners, managing risks and ensuring operational excellence. Work closely with the Alliance Director to establish effective processes, maintain momentum, and deliver outcomes within tight timeframes.

Engagement & Research Partnerships

Drive strong research–industry integration by enabling real-world deployment of quantum sensing technologies for decarbonisation. Act as a key liaison between researchers, industry and government partners, fostering long-term, sustainable collaborations. Lead engagement initiatives including workshops, events and training programs, and provide strategic advice to support the Alliance’s growth and impact.

Governance & Reporting

Support high-quality governance by assisting with reporting to government and key stakeholders, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and clear communication of progress and impact. Contribute actively to relevant committees and support effective decision-making at the executive level.

Financial Management

Oversee the Alliance’s financial management, including budgets, contracts and intellectual property, ensuring compliance with contractual and reporting obligations. Provide regular financial advice to the Director, liaise with faculty and university finance teams, and support investigators to meet financial responsibilities in a timely and accountable manner.

About UQ

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 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

About You

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant area or progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience, or extensive experience and management expertise; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Demonstrated strategic and operational planning and management skills including financial management, project management, intellectual property, risk management, and associated business reporting.
• Highly developed interpersonal, influencing, and negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to build both internal and external relationships and networks with key stakeholders. Demonstrated experience in engaging with industry and research partners and negotiating contract research agreements will be highly regarded.
• Extensive project management experience in research environments, with proven leadership in complex operations including strategic planning, budget management, risk mitigation, and compliance.
• Proven ability to effectively organise events and activities, such as networking events, training activities, and research workshops.
• Exceptional relationship management skills, with experience negotiating with senior industry leaders and government agencies and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• High-level organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meet deadlines under pressure, and lead teams with emotional intelligence and strategic focus.

Desirable

• Experience working in a University environment including using relevant administrative tools and possessing a knowledge of university policies and procedures.
• Proven success in business development, including developing large grant proposals (e.g., CRCs), leading government tenders, and establishing industry partnerships with annual cash commitments of $200K+.
• Strong financial acumen, with demonstrated ability to develop budgets, interpret financial data, and produce reports for external stakeholders and funding bodies.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, which may include verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

Work Rights?

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.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Erin Keogh via e.keogh@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.

Want to Apply?

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 are dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We are committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent, particularly from Australia’s First Nations Peoples. If you require an alternative method to submit your application due to accessibility needs or personal circumstances, please contact talent@uq.edu.au.

Other Information

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 do not 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 on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-59653).