- Full time, Continuing Appointment / Hybrid work model supported
- Position based at La Trobe University’s Bundoora Campus
- Salary range $148,049 - $156,840 plus 17% superannuation and a range of employee benefits
- Lead the development of a strong innovation and commercialisation pipeline to maximise research impact and industry income across multiple markets
About the position
La Trobe University is a leading Australian research institution with a global reputation for academic excellence, innovation and impact. Through its Eagleworks Innovation Centre, the University brings together researchers, industry partners, start‑ups and students to translate research into real‑world outcomes. With a strong focus on Health & Wellness and Food & Agriculture, underpinned by digital technologies, La Trobe is committed to strengthening industry collaboration and driving economic and community impact across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The Senior Manager, Commercialisation plays a critical role in advancing La Trobe’s commercialisation agenda by partnering closely with researchers, business development teams and industry stakeholders. Reporting to the Director, Commercialisation, New Ventures and Investment, this role is responsible for building and progressing a strong pipeline of commercialisation opportunities, supporting the strategic management of commercialisation funding and leading programs that foster innovation and entrepreneurship across the University’s research community.
Some of your duties will include:
- Lead and grow La Trobe’s commercialisation capability, providing senior leadership and mentoring within a collaborative, matrixed environment.
- Drive venture creation and investment outcomes, including spin‑outs, deal structuring and early‑stage investment pathways.
- Translate research into real‑world impact, leading the end‑to‑end commercialisation of intellectual property across priority research domains.
- Build and manage a strong commercialisation pipeline, delivering measurable outcomes across licensing, investment, spin‑outs and industry income.
- Provide senior commercial and governance expertise, supporting informed decision making, risk management and investment oversight.
- Activate a vibrant innovation ecosystem, building strong partnerships with researchers, industry, investors and government to deliver impact through Eagleworks.
As the successful applicant, you will have:
- A postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Computer Science, AI or a related technical field, with deep experience in research commercialisation and the Australian research sector (or an equivalent combination of experience and expertise).
- Demonstrated senior expertise in commercialisation, including deal structuring, licensing, investment frameworks and spin‑out company formation.
- A strong track record in venture creation and investment, including preparing opportunities for investment, negotiating term sheets and supporting university‑linked start‑ups.
- Proven ability to manage complex commercialisation pipelines, with strong knowledge of intellectual property, contract negotiation and investment pathways.
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, with experience building strategic partnerships across universities, industry, investors and government.
- Exceptional communication and professional skills, including the ability to develop business cases, prepare investment materials and present to senior and external audiences.
Welcome to Bundoora campus – Please click on the video link below:
https://f.io/KDo0ceng
Benefits
- 17% employer contributed superannuation
- On site childcare facilities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Discounts for staff and their family members to study a range of La Trobe courses
How to apply
Closing date: Wednesday 29th April, 2026 at 11:55pm
Position Enquiries: Natalia Alvarez, Director, Commercialisation, New Ventures and Investments Email: Natalia.Alvarez@latrobe.edu.au
Recruitment Enquiries: Vicki Stavrou, Senior Partner, Strategy and Senior Appointments Email v.stavrou@latrobe.edu.au
Position Description below:
PD-Senior Manager, Commercialisation.pdf
Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:
- Cover letter and
- An up-to-date resume.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.
Our commitment to safety
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
National Code on Gender Based Violence in Higher Education
La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful communities. Candidates will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for, or found to have engaged in, gender-based violence in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability. Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation liberty or autonomy.
Why La Trobe:
- Develop your career at an innovative, global university where you’ll collaborate with community and industry to create impact.
- Enjoy working on our inspiring and stunning campuses – the perfect hub for industry, students and academics
- Help transform the lives of students, partners and communities now and in future
All La Trobe University employees are bound by the Working with Children Act 2005. If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.
