Be CSL's Embedded Leader in Australia's Innovation Ecosystem
At CSL, we're accelerating innovation to deliver greater impact for patients worldwide. With a project-led structure and a focus on collaboration, we're building a future-ready R&D team that thrives in dynamic biotech environments. Joining CSL now means being part of an agile team committed to developing therapies that make a meaningful difference — from Melbourne to the world.
We're seeking a senior leader to serve as CSL's embedded representative in Melbourne's innovation ecosystem, responsible for sourcing external opportunities aligned with all therapeutic area strategies. This role combines ecosystem engagement, strategic scouting, and deal team leadership to ensure CSL maintains a strong presence and pipeline of opportunities across biotech, academia, and investment networks.
The Opportunity
This isn't a desk job. You'll be out in the ecosystem — building relationships, identifying breakthrough science, and bringing opportunities back to CSL. As our eyes and ears in one of the world's most dynamic biotech hubs, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping CSL's future pipeline.
Location: Melbourne, CBD (Hybrid Working)
What You'll Own
Ecosystem Leadership
- Lead sourcing efforts as CSL's primary representative within the regional innovation ecosystem
- Actively scout opportunities aligned with all therapeutic area strategies and portfolio priorities
- Maintain and expand strategic relationships with universities, research institutes, incubators, accelerators, venture capital firms, biotech startups, and government bodies
Strategic Partnerships
- Partner closely with Therapeutic Area Search Leads to conduct regional searches, plan conference engagements, and share real-time ecosystem insights
- Amplify CSL's external innovation priorities through targeted relationship-building
- Identify emerging science and technologies before they hit the mainstream
Deal Leadership
- Serve as a senior member of deal teams operating in the region
- Support transactions from identification through due diligence to close
- Help lead relationships with external partners through deal execution and beyond
- Bring a deal-maker mindset to every interaction
Ecosystem Visibility
- Organize and represent CSL at local external innovation events
- Host CSL innovation days and other ecosystem gatherings
- Ensure CSL has a strong, visible presence across Melbourne's biotech community
Who You Are
Essential Qualifications
- 12+ years in biopharma, external innovation, or business development
- Advanced degree required (PhD, MD, or equivalent)
- Deep, proven network within Australia's biotech, academic, and investment communities
- Track record of sourcing and evaluating external opportunities
- Experience leading or significantly contributing to deal execution
What Sets You Apart
- You're known in the ecosystem—people take your calls because they trust your judgment
- You can spot diamond-in-the-rough science and know how to evaluate its potential
- You're as comfortable in a lab tour as you are in a boardroom negotiation
- You bring strategic curiosity—always asking "what's next?" and "who else should we know?"
- You thrive at the intersection of science and business
Why CSL?
🌏 Global Headquarters in Melbourne – You'll be based at the heart of CSL's global operations, with direct visibility to senior leadership
🧬 Portfolio Breadth – Engage across immunology, hematology, cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, and transplant therapeutic areas
🔬 Scientific Depth – Work across CSL's three strategic platforms: plasma fractionation, recombinant protein technology, and cell and gene therapy
🤝 Collaborative Culture – Join a project-led organization where ideas flow freely and impact is shared
📈 Growth Trajectory – Be part of a company with 32,000 employees delivering therapies to more than 100 countries – and still growing
What We Offer
- Purpose-Driven Work – Every deal you close, every partnership you build, helps deliver life-saving therapies to patients worldwide
- Hybrid Working – Flexibility to balance office collaboration with ecosystem engagement
- Inclusive Culture – We celebrate differences and foster curiosity and empathy
- Global Impact – Your work reaches patients in more than 100 countries
- Comprehensive Benefits – Competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, and career development opportunities
You Belong at CSL
At CSL, inclusion and belonging are at the core of our mission and who we are. It fuels our innovation day in and day out. By celebrating our differences and creating a culture of curiosity and empathy, we are able to better understand and connect with our patients and donors, foster strong relationships with our stakeholders, and sustain a diverse workforce that will move our company and industry into the future.
CSL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please let us know—we're committed to enabling your success.
Ready to Be CSL's Face in Melbourne's Innovation Ecosystem?
If you're a seasoned leader with deep networks, scientific credibility, and a passion for bringing external innovation into a global biotherapeutics leader, we want to hear from you.
Apply now to become Director, External Innovation at CSL.
