RUIC Program Senior Facilitator (Southern QLD)

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

The opportunity

• Connect regional universities with start-ups/SMEs in Queensland
• Collaborate across industry, the innovation ecosystem, the research sector, and Government 
• Join Team CSIRO - Australia's National Science Agency

CSIRO SME Connect supports Australian start-ups and small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) pursue innovation. We help SMEs from all sectors of the Australian economy by streamlining the connection and collaboration process between SMEs and research organisations. The team run several programs including CSIRO Kick-Start, Innovate to Grow and the Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) Program.

We are seeking a RUIC Senior Program Facilitator (South) to build capabilities with researchers, manage SME leads, facilitate connections and applications, and manage after-project feedback. In this role, you will work with start-ups and SMEs to help understand and articulate their research/development idea and connect them with researchers at two southern Partner Universities – The University of Southern Queensland and The University of the Sunshine Coast. You will also help build awareness for the program, integrate with the innovation ecosystem in your region, and partake in key program planning and monitoring.

Join an organisation creating tomorrow today – apply now. 

Your duties will include:

• Facilitate R&D projects between start-ups/SMEs and regional QLD universities, offering end-to-end support.
• Act as the main contact for UniSC and USQ, building close relationships, facilitate projects with SMEs and guide them on program activities.
• Build and manage applicant pipelines by connecting with industry bodies, innovation ecosystems, and research organizations.
• Engage with regional industry to expand program knowledge and identify new opportunities.
• Collaborate with the SME Connect team to identify additional opportunities and funding for businesses.
• Organize events, support junior staff, and promote CSIRO and SME Connect Programs externally.

Location: Brisbane preferred; other locations may also be considered - Darling Downs/South-West, North Coast

Salary: $131k to $153k pa + Motor vehicle allowance + 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified Term to 30 June 2027, Full-time

Reference: 98539

To be considered you will need:

Essential:

Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

• Tertiary qualifications in science, engineering, and/or business, with business development experience, or equivalent skills, knowledge, and experience.

• Proven business acumen with experience in a publicly-funded research organization (PFRO) or businesses that successfully engage with PFROs.

• Skilled in facilitating R&D partnerships and supporting collaborative projects between universities and SMEs, including research commercialization.

• In-depth knowledge of the Queensland innovation ecosystem and opportunities for regional SMEs, with an extensive network across industry, universities, PFROs, government, and investors.

• Strong engagement and networking skills with a proven ability to foster R&D collaboration and build productive, trusting relationships; extensive experience in negotiation and representation.

• Demonstrated history of meeting and exceeding performance targets.

• Highly developed interpersonal skills, with a track record of contributing to cohesive teams and building productive relationships with colleagues.

Desirable:

• Experience in presenting and or delivering learning sessions or masterclasses to business or research sector audiences.

For full details about this role please review the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents only. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications close

6th January 2025, 11:00pm AEDT