Professor and Director, iLAuNCH Trailblazer Program

iLAuNCH

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is proud to lead the nationally significant iLAuNCH (Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics) Trailblazer Program—a bold collaboration between UniSQ, The Australian National University, the University of South Australia and industry partners that is accelerating Australia's sovereign space capability and advanced manufacturing future.

We are seeking an exceptional academic and industry leader to take on the role of Professor and Director, iLAuNCH Trailblazer Program.

This position is advertised as a continuing Professor (Level E) appointment, recognising the seniority and strategic importance of the role within UniSQ’s academic leadership cohort. Upon appointment, the successful candidate will be seconded to the position of Director, iLAuNCH Trailblazer Program through to June 2028, during which they will lead the program’s next phase of growth, impact, and engagement. Following the secondment, the incumbent will continue in an ongoing Professorial role, contributing to the University’s research, teaching, and engagement priorities.

Who you are

You are an accomplished and respected leader with a strong track record of delivering research, innovation, commercialisation or industry-led initiatives at scale.

What you'll do

As Professor and Director, iLAuNCH, you will provide strategic leadership for one of Australia's most significant research, innovation and commercialisation initiatives.

What will help you succeed

Success in the role will be defined by your ability to build and sustain influential partnerships across industry, government and academia, both nationally and internationally.

At Level E, you are expected to demonstrate outstanding leadership in organizational or program-level strategy and national/international standing in your field as well as demonstrating: A distinguished research track record of research excellence with national and international recognition; Experience leading large-scale research, innovation or commercialisation initiatives; Success building influential partnerships across industry, government and academia; Ability to translate research into commercial and real-world outcomes; Outstanding leadership skills; Ability to shape strategy and influence stakeholders.