_{26th May, 2025}

We are delighted to be partnering with the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute to appoint their next Head of Commercialisation.
This is a rare opportunity to build a commercialisation function, setting the commercialisation strategy, building the team, and delivering commercial partnerships that help translate Baker’s world-class science into lasting outcomes for patients and communities.

As Head of Commercialisation, you’ll play a critical role in developing high-value partnerships, prioritising commercial opportunities and embedding a culture of research translation across the Institute. You will be developing commercialisation programs supporting researchers to create impact and ensuring Baker remains at the forefront of medical innovation in Australia and beyond.
  
  
About the Baker Institute
The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute is one of Australia’s most respected independent medical research organisations, focused on addressing our nation’s most urgent health challenges, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and their associated complications.
At Baker, research isn’t just about discovery, it’s about transforming lives. With an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence and purpose-driven impact, the Institute is at the forefront of breakthrough science, tackling Australia’s biggest killers head-on.
Through world-leading research, Baker is empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge, tools, and medical innovations needed to live longer, healthier lives.
  
About the Role
The Head of Commercialisation is a senior leadership position with the opportunity to shape a strategic and outward-facing approach to research translation at the Baker Institute. With a dual focus on external partnerships and internal alignment, the role is central to unlocking the Institute’s most promising research assets and supporting long-term and sustainable impact.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role will lead the development and implementation of a fit-for-purpose commercialisation framework, one that aligns with Baker’s scientific strengths and institutional goals, while building pathways for industry collaboration, licensing, and innovation-led partnerships.
This is a hands-on leadership role with a strong focus on external engagement while supporting uplifting of commercialisation internally. It requires the ability to build and maintain strong relationships across biotech, pharma, medtech, investors, and translational funders, while also working constructively across the organisation to support researchers, clinicians, and internal stakeholders.
Success will be defined by the ability to build strong external engagement with potential commercial partners while prioritising opportunities, and help embed a sustainable, strategic approach to commercialisation within the institute.
  
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the Baker Institute’s commercialisation strategy aligned with research and organisational goals
• Establish and maintain an internal prioritisation framework to guide resource allocation
• Identify, protect, and manage intellectual property, including invention disclosures, patent filings, and asset development strategies
• Lead the negotiation and execution of licensing agreements, partnerships, and commercial deals
• Build and nurture national and international networks across biotech, medtech, pharma, VC, and government
• Support and train researchers to grow their commercialisation capability and understanding
• Collaborate closely with contract and IP, ensuring legal and commercial rigour in all agreements
• Advise the COO and Executive Team on market dynamics, risks, and long-term opportunities

About You
You are a commercially savvy, mission-driven leader with a passion for translating science into tangible health and societal outcomes. You bring strategic thinking, business acumen, a collaborative approach and proactive mindset, ready to shape something meaningful and new. Your sense of urgency energises and drives your work to help find solutions to the world’s deadliest diseases.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Senior-level experience in research commercialisation, business development, or tech transfer, ideally in the health or life sciences sector
• Demonstrated capability in IP strategy, deal negotiation, and stakeholder engagement
• Established local and international networks across industry, academia, investors, and policy stakeholders
• Proven success in building strategic partnerships and internal capability
• Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills across varied stakeholder groups
• A tertiary qualification in science, business, or law (MBA or JD highly regarded)

  
What will you get in return?
At Baker, you’ll be part of a dynamic and collaborative team where scientific excellence meets bold ambition. You’ll have the autonomy and support to build something lasting, aligning research translation with impact, reputation, and sustainability.
You will also benefit from:

• Competitive total remuneration with access to full NFP salary packaging entitlements
• A positive, flexible working environment with strong learning and development support
• Leadership development for the successful candidate
• A workplace guided by our values: excellence, integrity, communication, innovation, and efficiency
• A meaningful opportunity to shape the future of medical innovation in Australia
• A central base at the Alfred Hospital precinct and an active presence in Melbourne’s west
• Modern offices and laboratories in the Alfred Research Alliance precinct located opposite beautiful Fawkner Park; and walking distance to Chapel Street and St Kilda Road
• EAP program and an active social club

Ready to lead, innovate, and make a difference?
To request a candidate pack or confidential discussion, contact Kristina at kristina@ktalent.com.au

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