Research Development Manager

*Job Reference: About the role

Curtin School of Population Health is seeking a highly skilled Research Development Manager (official title: Business Development Manager) for a full-time (1.0 FTE), continuing opportunity.

In this pivotal role, you will lead business development initiatives for our research centre, acting as the key liaison between the institute and external organisations, including government, industry, and professional bodies. Your expertise will be essential in establishing collaborative relationships that will enhance our research capabilities and significantly grow research income for the centre.

As the Research Development Manager, you will spearhead multidisciplinary research efforts by strengthening our research capacity and fostering strategic partnerships. This position involves identifying funding opportunities, supporting the development of compelling proposals, and assisting with competitive grant applications to meet demand-driven research needs.

If you are passionate about advancing public health research and have a proven track record in business development, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Who we are looking for - Selection Criteria*

1. Completion of relevant postgraduate qualification and extensive experience in business development in industry engagement within a complex organisation; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or training.
2. Demonstrated commercial acumen and a proven record in securing and integrating funding support from industry, government and other organisations into collaborative ventures.
3. Demonstrated strong negotiating skills in all aspects of business, especially contract negotiation and management.
4. Familiarity with commercial law as it applies to agreements relevant to this role.
5. Significant networking experience with government, industry and across the business community and a broad established network.
6. Demonstrated ability to engage and influence others and a proven capacity to build and maintain effective and productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
7. Exceptional high-level communication (written and oral) with the ability to engage and present information clearly and informatively to diverse audiences, prepare business cases, draft applications for tenders, contract research and evaluation.
8. Demonstrated experience in conducting analytical research and providing reports on public documents to identify significant information.

Area Specific Criteria

1. Demonstrated high-level understanding of grant processes in a research environment, together with a solid understanding of research capability across Western Australian research institutes and centres.
2. Proven expertise in the preparation of research documentation, including timely drafting of demand-driven opportunities such as tenders and contract research.
3. Demonstrated understanding of metrics of success in research applications.
4. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and communicate effectively within team of academics and industry partners.
5. Experience in working in a tertiary research environment or with a research organisation.

Desirable

• Demonstrated ability in interpreting complex legal documents.

Role Requirements:

• As this is a continuing (permanent) role, you will require permanent work rights in Australia to be considered
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction.

About Curtin University

We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page -   

What We Offer You:

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more information, check out our benefits page

For more information about Curtin, please visit 

Join Us

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW and provide the following documents:

• Up to date resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position's selection criteria (noted above).

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on or option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Applications close: Friday, 14th November 2025

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.