Research & Development Portfolio Manager – Recycling and Clean Energy Program (TRaCE)

The Opportunity

• Full-time, 18-month fixed term contract from March 2026 to August 2027 based at UNSW Kensington campus
• $127,351-$143,489+ 17% super + leave loading
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

The Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) was awarded to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Newcastle (UoN) to boost research and development and drive commercialisation outcomes with industry.

Support a diverse portfolio of major R&D projects, with a particular emphasis on providing commercialisation advice and analytical support to selected initiatives. Responsibilities include evaluating project impact, assessing readiness for implementation or market entry, and analysing technical and financial risks. The role also oversees a funding program that enables small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in collaborative research activities.

The position reports to the Senior R&D Portfolio Manager and has no direct reports.

The Organisation

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. We are a large organisation with a diverse and highly talented community doing extraordinary work. We are driven to be thoughtful, practical and purposeful in all we do, and this collective approach is what gives our work impact. It is also why UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities in the QS World University Rankings and is a proud member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you’re seeking a career where you can thrive, be challenged and contribute to meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to benefits including:

• Hybrid/Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements
• Affordable on-campus parking

About the successful applicant

You can demonstrate strong, proven experience in research commercialisation, particularly in developing commercialisation plans for deep tech and hardware innovations, ideally within the circular economy and clean energy sectors.

You bring expertise in new product development, innovation and entrepreneurship methodologies, supported by experience in project monitoring and evaluation frameworks. In an R&D environment, you apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including risk assessment, technoeconomic analysis and impact analysis, alongside detailed knowledge of deep tech product engineering.

Your experience includes fostering positive partnerships, influencing and engaging diverse stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes and collaborating with internal shared services.

You can balance technical project details with bigger picture, longer-term outcomes, have strong interpersonal & communication skills, ability to manage multiple priorities and proactively provide recommendations on project /portfolio direction.

Working productively both collaboratively and independently, you can also demonstrate a clear understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values, relevant policies and guidelines, and uphold health and safety responsibilities—both psychosocial and physical.

To Apply

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Submit your application online before Sunday 1st February 2026 at 11:55pm. A copy of the Position Description can be on jobs.unsw.edu.au

Contact:

Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

*Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.*

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Position Description