Company Description
Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.
Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.
Playing a critical role in supporting Griffith's ambitions is Griffith Enterprise, the university’s dedicated commercialisation office, managing and commercialising the universities intellectual property and research expertise. Griffith Enterprise’s mission is to manage and facilitate the commercialisation of intellectual property and research excellence from Griffith University researchers via the most appropriate commercialisation pathway, ensuring optimum outcomes for all of our partners whilst protecting and enhancing the reputation of the university. By translating and commercialising ground-breaking technologies and research excellence, empowering a culture of collaboration, and prioritising our partner’s needs we help them achieve their strategic ambitions and generate global impact.
Job Description
As Deputy Director, you will support the operations and commercialisation teams of Griffith Enterprise and lead/coordinate high-impact projects and partnerships that enhance the University’s innovation and enterprise agenda. Working closely with the Director and other managers from Griffith Enterprise plus University researchers, you will be instrumental in developing and implementing programs that strengthen and communicate knowledge transfer, research impact, IP management, and entrepreneurial culture across Griffith’s research community. You will work closely with University senior executives and researchers to educate and build knowledge and capability related to the commercialisation of research expertise and intellectual property to create impact, providing programmes and supporting national and state-based initiatives that align with Griffith’s areas of research focus and support commercialisation.
Furthermore, you will also support the creation of new ventures and spin-out companies, oversee proof-of-concept funding initiatives, and represent Griffith Enterprise in diverse internal and external forums. You will also ensure that the University’s policies and procedures, as they relate to commercialisation, are up to date and enabling. This is a rare opportunity to support a high-performance, future-focused team and make a tangible difference to the community through research commercialisation.
About you
The successful candidate will be an experienced leader with a strong track record in research commercialisation, innovation management, and enterprise development.
You will also have:
- Postgraduate qualifications (or equivalent experience) relevant to Griffith’s research profile.
- Extensive experience translating research into commercial opportunities through partnerships, licensing, or new ventures.
- A deep understanding of the higher education, research, and innovation landscape in Australia.
- Proven ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage complex projects, and inspire teams.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex situations with a focus on positive outcomes.
- Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
What we can offer
This is a continuing, full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan) or Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.
Salary Range
A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Additional Information
Why join Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:
- Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
- Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
- Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
- Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
- Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities
How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.
Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.
Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:
- A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
- Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.
For further information specifically about this role, please contact Dr Mark Ashton, Director, Griffith Enterprise on griffithenterprise@griffth.edu.au.
For application support, please contact People Services on (07) 373 54011 quoting reference number REF7891X.
Closing date: Sunday, 7 September 2025 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.
Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.