Job no: 543722
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Academic Leadership, Professor
- One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
- Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
- Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
The School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) seeks to appoint a Professor of Biotechnology Entrepreneurship to provide senior academic leadership at the interface of molecular bioscience, biotechnology translation, industry engagement and venture creation. This strategic appointment will strengthen the School's capacity to translate outstanding discovery research into high-impact biotechnology outcomes, including intellectual property, industry partnerships, translational funding, start-up activity and national and international commercial engagement.
The Professor of Biotechnology Entrepreneurship will be an internationally recognised leader in an area of biotechnology aligned with the School's strategic priorities, with relevance to protein chemistry, biologics, antibody or protein-based therapeutics, molecular biotechnology, synthetic biology, translational bioscience or related fields. The appointee will have an outstanding record of senior-author publications, success in competitive national and international research funding, and evidence of significant disciplinary leadership through invited presentations, conference leadership, advisory appointments, international collaborations and professional recognition.
A key focus of the role is biotechnology entrepreneurship and research translation. The appointee will bring a demonstrated record of translating research into real-world outcomes through venture capital engagement, company formation, start-up or spin-out activity, patent generation, therapeutic development and commercialisation. They will foster an entrepreneurial research culture across BABS and UNSW by mentoring researchers, strengthening links with industry and investors, and supporting the development of translational biotechnology opportunities.
The Professor will contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives across science, medicine, engineering and industry, helping connect discovery research with clinical need, commercial opportunity and societal impact. The role will support the School's broader ambition to build a globally recognised biotechnology and precision medicine research capability aligned with UNSW's innovation, health and impact agendas.
About the role
- LEVEL E - $247k - plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
- Fixed Term – 5 years
- Full time (35 hours per week)
Specific responsibilities for this role include:
- Establish and grow biotechnology entrepreneurship and translational research activities within BABS and UNSW, including the development of start-up and spin-out opportunities, venture partnerships and industry collaborations.
- Carry out original and innovative research at the highest level, actively contributing to the advancement of knowledge in biotechnology and related disciplines.
- Maintain a distinguished program of research at UNSW and ensure a critical mass of internationally competitive research activity is occurring within the School.
- Lead significant research programs and initiatives that address major scientific, clinical and translational challenges in biotechnology.
- Secure substantial research income for UNSW through competitive government, philanthropic and industry funding schemes, primarily as a leader of major grant applications and collaborative programs.
- Lead significant research proposals submitted to national and international funding agencies and demonstrate impact on research end users.
- Foster a culture of innovation, research excellence and entrepreneurial practice by mentoring researchers, postdoctoral fellows, HDR candidates and early career academics.
- Recruit and supervise HDR candidates to successful and timely completion as primary supervisor.
- Develop productive relationships with industry, investors, government agencies and research organisations to enhance research impact and translation.
- Lead knowledge exchange activities that promote the application of biotechnology research for economic, health and societal benefit.
- Lead the commercialisation of research outcomes through patents, licensing activities, venture capital engagement, company formation and strategic partnerships.
- Initiate and lead major interdisciplinary and international research collaborations.
- Provide strategic leadership in the development of biotechnology research capability, entrepreneurship activity and translational research priorities within the School, Faculty and University.
- Make internationally recognised contributions to the discipline and establish, influence and expand international research networks.
- Participate in and provide leadership to School, Faculty, University and sector-wide committees, advisory bodies, working groups and strategic initiatives. Participate and provide leadership in community affairs and professional, commercial, investment and industrial sectors relevant to biotechnology research and innovation.
- Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values
- Ensure hazards and risks are identified and controlled for tasks, projects and activities that pose a health and safety risk within your area of responsibility.
About the successful applicant (Selection Criteria)
To be successful in this role you will have:
- A PhD in a related discipline, and/or related work experience.
- Demonstrated record of biotechnology entrepreneurship, including experience in each of company formation, start-up/spin-out leadership, both national and international venture capital investment, patent development, and therapeutics translation.
- Demonstrated record of sustained publication in Q1 journals (formerly ERA A*) at senior-author level.
- Demonstrated record of sustained success in competitive national research funding, including Australian Category 1 schemes.
- Proven leadership in developing significant productive relationships and engagement with industry and the community, with success in attracting significant industry funding.
- Evidence of sustained national and international standing in biotechnology, including invited presentations, conference organisation, advisory roles, international collaborations or leadership within relevant professional, commercial or translational sectors.
- Demonstrated expertise in a relevant area of molecular biotechnology, such as protein chemistry, biologics, protein-based therapeutics, synthetic biology, therapeutic discovery, or related translational biotechnology platforms.
- Proven capacity of interdisciplinary collaboration across science/medicine and business/industry, as evidenced by joint publications at senior-author level.
- Demonstrated experience in teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
- Experience of implementing educational technologies and online delivery methods.
- Evidence of teaching effectiveness and passion for educational excellence and fostering this in others.
- Demonstrated experience with industry or work-integrated learning.
- Evidence of highly developed interpersonal and collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to work and influence across disciplines, faculties, institutions, industry and professional accreditation bodies.
- Evidence of being an inspirational role model for other academics seeking mentoring, guidance, advice and support.
- Proven leadership of research projects and leadership of research teams, including high quality supervision of honours and postgraduate research projects.
- Demonstrated capacity to lead by example in supporting equal opportunity and equity, diversity and inclusion policy and programs as they relate to staff and students.
- Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
- An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
- Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.
You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.
Please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed.
Contact: Shane Grey
E: s.grey@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: November 11th, 2026
Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au
UNSW aspires to be the exemplar Australian university and employer of choice for people from diverse backgrounds. UNSW aims to ensure equality in recruitment, development, retention and promotion of staff and that no-one is disadvantaged on the basis of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation or identity or Indigenous heritage. We encourage everyone who meets the selection criteria to apply.
UNSW partners with Australia’s leading diversity organisations, networks, and campaigns. Please refer to UNSW’s diversity offerings for further information on our flexible work and leave options, and support for carers (childcare, parent rooms, parental leave).
Advertised: 14 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 11 Nov 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time