Director, Research Ventures and Investment

PRIMARY DETAIL

Lead strategic commercial initiatives, ventures and investments supporting the University's research commercialisation strategy. Support the growth of commercialised ventures, start-ups, spin-outs, joint ventures and licensing.

Where Innovation Meets Investment – Help shape the Future of Research Enterprise.

• Attractive 5-year Fixed Term Senior Contract Negotiable
• Strategic partner to the Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and Enterprise
• Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

The role of Director, Research Ventures and Investment, a pivotal position supporting the University’s research commercialisation ventures and strategic innovation initiatives.  The role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in business, finance, and corporate governance, who can apply their skills in a dynamic environment where research innovation, commercialisation and investment intersect.

About the Role

As Director, Research Ventures and Investment, you will provide expert business, financial, investment, and corporate advisory services across a diverse portfolio of strategic research initiatives. You will play a key role in the creation, financing, and growth of research commercialisation ventures, including start-ups, spin-outs, joint ventures, and licensing arrangements.

This role offers the opportunity to influence high-impact decisions, represent the University in research commercialisation ventures, and contribute to the development of innovative frameworks and policies that shape the future of the University’s research enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and oversight of frameworks governing research-related ventures and investments.
• Provide strategic financial and business advice on current investment holdings and future opportunities.
• Negotiate and analyse legal and financial documents, including term sheets, contracts and other legal documents related to research commercialisation investments, and represent the University at Board level as required.
• Support capital raising efforts and develop financial models and business cases for research investment and commercialisation.
• Conduct market analysis to identify and engage with strategic partners.
• Deliver high-quality advisory papers and reports for executive and board-level audiences.
• Act as a senior internal advisor on commercial and financial matters across a range of strategic initiatives in the research innovation and enterprise portfolio.

About You

You will bring:

• A degree in accounting, finance or business, with professional membership (CA, CPA, MBA or equivalent).
• Experience and deep understanding of key strategic issues, opportunities and challenges in the higher education sector and/or research commercialisation (highly desirable).
• Extensive experience in business and finance, particularly in innovation and start-up ecosystems.
• Proven ability to advise executive and board-level stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, especially in early-stage company environments.
• Exceptional communication skills and experience preparing executive briefings and reports.
• A collaborative approach and ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index, having recently earned a five-star rating in the QS World Rankings with the highest rating for employability. Take a look at the staff benefits on offer.

How to Apply

To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

*This position requires right to work, qualification and criminal history check.

Applications Close: 23 November 2025

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

For enquiries, or a confidential conversation about the role please contact Dan Johnson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Innovation and Enterprise at dan.johnson@mq.edu.au or Sarah Bate Head of Talent Acquisition at sarah.bate@mq.edu.au.

If you're already part of the Macquarie Group (MQ University, U@MQ, MQ Health, MGSM), you'll need to apply through your employee Workday account. To apply for this job: Login to Workday and go to the Careers App > Find Jobs.

Applications Close:

23/11/2025 11:59 PM

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