AIR Hub – Commercial Engagement and Translation Manager

About the Job
The Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) will be a world-class, collaboration between Australian aerospace industry leaders and research partners. Led by Swinburne University of Technology, AIR Hub will drive transformation of the aerospace sector in Australia by reinforcing the Australia’s pre-eminent position in advanced composites manufacturing for civil aerospace projects and accelerate development of composites manufacturing for integrated structures and airframes in eVTOL urban passenger, cargo and aeromedical air vehicles.

The Commercial Engagement and Translation Manager, reports to the AIR Hub Director and will play a leading role in delivering new industry collaborations and commercialisation programs managing the AIR Hub’s start up eco system for the AIR Hub to catalyse business innovation and seed a new industry and market in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). In particular, the incumbent will establish and develop:
• The AIR Hub commercialisation stream, including an innovation voucher program, incubation program and advisory service to startups and spin offs.
• Develop and maintain the commercialisation roadmap for the AIR Hub to participate fully in new government programs targeted at innovation and industry-led research collaborations.

The Commercial Engagement and Translation Manager will also provide high-level, strategic advice to the AIR Hub Operations Team on business development, commercialisation and funding opportunities as well as contribute to business planning, organisational development and decision-making.

About Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne is a multi-sector university of science, technology and innovation with more than 54,000 students and 5,000 staff globally. We offer postgraduate, undergraduate, vocational education and online education to provide students with a variety of work-relevant pathways. Our mission is to be a world-class university, creating economic and social impact through science, technology and innovation. We aim to deliver future-ready learners, research with impact and innovative enterprise.

About you
• A postgraduate degree level qualification in a relevant discipline with subsequent relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Extensive management experience in the aerospace industry or research organisations, including demonstrated success in development and delivery of business development strategies
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional project teams to achieve agreed outcomes, on time and on budget
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective networks, develop collaborations and partnerships at senior levels with a diverse range of external partners
• Previous experience with the development of contractual arrangements in support of research or business collaborations, especially regarding ownership and access to new IP
• Background in the development/implementation of new products, business systems, manufacturing processes or technology-based services
• Deep knowledge of government funding programs designed to assist with technology innovation through collaborations between industry and research organisations.

Key Responsibilities
• Initiate and develop sustainable linkages between AIR Hub and industry partners, especially within business sectors that are closely aligned AIR Hub’s research capability. Specifically:
- Articulate and implement practical procedures for AIR Hub to establish and foster start-up and research-push relationships, with clear roles and accountabilities for all parts of the organisation that need to be involved.
• Establish systems to make visible the pipeline of partnerships under development, key milestones impacts achieved/anticipated by all parties. Monitor progress and identify critical interventions or support needed.
• Identify opportunities for the development of major, multi-party funding applications – while taking responsibility for securing the necessary resources and commitments from the industry side.
• Liaise with senior management in the private and public sectors and represent AIR Hub at meetings and conferences as required.
• Lead the implementation and delivery of the AIR Hub voucher program, incubation program and advisor program
• Work closely with the AIR Hub Director and the business development team to create an eco-system and network for the AIR Hub
• Identify and facilitate opportunities to commercialise AIR Hub IP through development and transfer of research outcomes to industry, government and the community. This should include identification of the appropriate commercialisation pathway (spin-off, technology licence etc) and strategies to secure the necessary external and internal funding.
• Personally lead major commercialisation projects as appropriate, and as agreed with the AIR Hub Director.
• Ensure that contractual arrangements (especially those which contemplate development and commercialisation of new IP assets) with industry partners are targeted to win-win goals that are consistent with AIR Hub’s Strategy.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of IP legislation/regulations, topical issues and changes that are relevant to the higher education sector.
• Provide expert advice to AIR Hub on emerging trends, business challenges and government policy changes that are relevant to AIR Hub and its key industry partners.

A full list of selection criteria is available within the position description.

Benefits
To find out more about the extensive range of benefits offered to Swinburne employees please visit Careers at Swinburne.

How to apply and further information
To view the position description or to start an application please click on 'apply' or ‘begin’ and submit a resume, cover letter and a response to the Key Selection Criteria, as listed in the position description.

For further information about this position, contact Adriano Di Pietro (Director, AIR Hub) via email at: adipietro@swin.edu.au

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your application, please contact the Recruitment team on staffrecruitment@swin.edu.au

Diversity and Inclusion
Equity and diversity are integral to achieving our 2025 vision of bringing people and technology together to build a better world. Swinburne is a large and culturally diverse organisation and we are proud of our commitment to equity and inclusion through key initiatives such as:
• Reconciliation Action Plan
• Charter of Cultural Diversity
• Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Action Plan
• Swinburne LGBTIQA+ Pride, Gender Equality, Accessibility and Intergenerational inclusion strategies

For further information on all our initiatives visit our equity and diversity website. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Assistance and Support
We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates. If you have specific accessibility or support requirements please contact Maree Norden, Diversity & Inclusion Manager at inclusion@swin.edu.au. For support or queries related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment, please contact Timothy Werner at DeadlyCareers@swin.edu.au

Swinburne offers flexible working options, leave and parenting/carer policies to support work life balance.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 17th January 2022

Note: This position is open to candidates that are currently located within Australia and are an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold an appropriate work visa.

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