(HEO7) $101,785 - $113,839 per annum plus an employer contribution of 17% superannuation applies.

Fulltime, fixed term position, available until end of June 2028.

Be part of an exciting new chapter in Australian science by joining the Plant Synthetic Biology Australia (PSBA) network as we launch the Adelaide node, establishing plant synthetic biology services across agricultural crops and model plant systems.

If you are an experienced Business Development Manager who thrives in a project-based environment and is curious about synthetic biology research, we want to hear from you.

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET) holds an outstanding reputation for teaching, research, and quality graduates. Comprised of eight schools, 21 centres and five institutes, the Faculty of SET is responsible for teaching over 8,500 students across our three campuses, North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy, and has an annual budget of $300 million.

Plant Synthetic Biology Australia (PSBA) consists of a network of national facilities with nodes at Adelaide University, Australian National University, La Trobe University and University of Western Australia. PSBA provides plant synthetic biology infrastructure and expertise to drive accelerated gains in agricultural productivity, and development of new products through environmentally sustainable bio-manufacturing. The Adelaide node of PSBA enables plant synthetic biology services for agricultural crops, as well as for synthetic biology projects in ‘model’ plants. It provides infrastructure and expertise for research providers, government and industry institutions as fee-for-service as well as providing incubation space for the start-up community and opportunities to collaborate.

The Business Development & Project Lead will interface with a range of potential PSBA customers to generate new business and support projects of existing customers within PSBA. While maintaining focus on PSBA AU’s contracted KPIs, you will develop relationships with potential customers, identify new business opportunities and bring in new work for PSBA. As the ongoing management of active projects and maintenance of associated relationships with key PSBA customers is a key aspect of this role, The Business Development & Project Lead will therefore have a strong understanding of the key operations and service offerings available through PSBA staff and managed facilities. You will also liaise with all PSBA AU staff to make sure projects run efficiently and that customer materials are tracked through the facility and its operations.

To be successful you will need:

• Prior experience in a Business Development role, especially in a research environment.
• Project Management expertise, including extensive use of project management tools and software.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with both internal colleagues and external customers.
• Demonstrated excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and a nature inclination to be a proactive team player.
• An understanding of aspects of running a biological sciences research laboratory would be highly regarded but not essential.

The path to Adelaide University

We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026. Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching. You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.

Enjoy an outstanding career environment

The University of Adelaide is a uniquely rewarding workplace. The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaborations - offers you a vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.

It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading. Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.

Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery. We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.

We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.

In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits. These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements; high quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities. 

Learn more at: adelaide.edu.au/jobs ]

Your division's broader role

The Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology is a multidisciplinary hub of cutting-edge teaching and research. Many of its academic staff are world leaders in their fields and graduates are highly regarded by employers. The Faculty actively partners with innovative industries to solve problems of global significance. 

Learn more at: set.adelaide.edu.au

If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity. Together, let's make history.

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to be taken through to the online application form. Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all of the selection criteria for the position as outlined in the position description.

Applications close 11:55pm, 20 August 2025.

The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.

For further information

For a confidential discussion regarding this position; contact:

Andrew Jacobs
Business Manager | PSBA-AU
E: andrew.jacobs@adelaide.edu.au

You'll find a full position description.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application. 

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