• Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

• Full-time (100%), fixed-term position for up to 1 year

• Base salary will be in the range $111,154.58 - $124,619.84 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)

• Based at our St Lucia Campus

About This Opportunity 

We are seeking a motivated, Brisbane-based professional with a strong scientific background, project and team management skills to join the BASE facility at AIBN (UQ) and help drive the adoption of mRNA technologies across Australia.

You will work closely with BASE scientists and our customers to help develop new mRNA medicines for diverse applications and diseases. You will be required to establish sales and business development operations to support mRNA researchers across Australia, including building and managing a small team to develop and implement national sales and business development operations. You will be responsible for conducting initiatives such as digital (website, social) exposure, conferences, annual symposium and scientific programs, as well as managing customer relationships, legal and sales processes and databases.

The BASE facility has developed close partnerships with academic, industry and governmental researchers in the fast-growing mRNA industry.  In this role, you will develop existing and new partnerships, providing technical expertise to help support mRNA research and the development of new mRNA medicines.

You will work closely with BASE scientists to develop an understanding of mRNA technologies, and will help coordinate the design, production and delivery of mRNA medicines. You will develop and implement a coordinated strategy to build national sales and business development capability, as well as helping to grow the BASE facility’s capabilities to expand our customer relationships, build our international profile and support research into new mRNA medicines.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Exercise ‘Supervisor’ level leadership and management responsibility in accordance with the UQ Leadership Framework. Supervise sales team as the team grows by leading and motivating staff members in achieving organisational goals.

• Build and manage a high performing sales team to successfully execute the strategy.

• Develop and execute national strategies to promote BASE products and services.

• Lead the sales of mRNA products and LNP formulation services across Queensland and nationally. Provide product information and technical guidance to potential and existing clients.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with new and existing clients, ensuring an in-depth understanding of their needs, including customer-facing service and support to deliver mRNA medicines according to requirements

• Participate in business development activities, including identifying and securing new opportunities with partners.

• Collaborate closely with BASE scientists to understand new innovations in mRNA technologies and translate them into customer solutions.

• Work with the BASE production team to ensure timely delivery of high-quality mRNA products.

About the BASE Facility 

The BASE facility, at the University of Queensland (UQ), is a leading national site for mRNA research and manufacture. The BASE Facility provides end-to-end pre-clinical research services that allow scientists to develop mRNA medicines, from initial sequence design, to manufacture and testing. We work together with hundreds of academic, industry and government partners to develop new mRNA medicines.

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

• 17% superannuation contributions

• 17.5% annual leave loading

• Access to flexible working arrangements

• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

• UQ Study for Staff

• On campus childcare options

• Cheap parking (from just $5.75 a day)

• Salary packaging options

About You  

• Strong scientific background with a degree or equivalent experience in life sciences (healthcare, biomedical, pharmacology, clinical etc)

• Demonstrated experience in sales, customer management and business development in life sciences, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry and/or experience with mRNA or LNP technologies (preferred, although training will be provided)

• Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences; able to prepare proposals, reports and presentations related to technical products and services

• Proven ability to develop and execute business development and marketing strategies, and excel in a dynamic inclusive environment in the fast-moving mRNA industry;

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build long-term relationships with clients and colleagues.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Willingness to travel interstate and attend conferences regularly.

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, including research and production.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including: right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check etc. 

Work Rights: 

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions? 

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Rachel Chang – [email protected]

For application queries, please contact [email protected] stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

Want to Apply? 

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section  

• Resume 

Other Information 

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to [email protected] for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close 16 January 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-45071).

Please note applications will be reviewed as received. Candidates may be interviewed prior to the job closing date. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible. The University of Queensland reserves the right to close this application process early