Exciting opportunity to contribute to the REACH Trailblazer Program as Working Group Theme Chair

Deakin University invites expressions of interest from individuals with the experience, expertise and passion in the following areas to steer Deakin’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) Working Group meetings with industry partners and researchers, overseeing performance against Program and contractual obligations.

• Clean energy and battery storage
• Hydrogen
• Recycling and circular economy

The University has opportunities for individuals to be considered for appointment to Chair fortnightly REACH Working Group meetings until June 2028.

Chairs will also champion REACH objectives within Deakin.

Deakin’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH)

Deakin’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH) is part of Australia’s Trailblazer Program. REACH will build the single largest clean energy ecosystem in Australia, placing Australia at the forefront of critical new technologies, products, and industries. It will have a significant impact on Australia’s advanced manufacturing priorities, supporting growth and job creation to drive significant economic and social impact.

There are three REACH Working Groups that are responsible for monitoring progress and supporting the aims and objectives of an assigned cohort of research projects from the REACH Industry and Research portfolio. As Chair, the successful applicant will steer working group meetings with industry partners and researchers, and champion REACH objectives within Deakin. The Chair will be supported by a Co-Chair (REACH Senior Program Manager) and Secretariat from the REACH Business Unit.

Criteria and process for appointments are outlined below.

Skills and experience required

Essential

• Senior academic leader within the University with knowledge and expertise in one of the following areas: clean energy, battery storage, hydrogen, recycling and circular economy.
• Ability to influence senior internal stakeholders, including executives and senior leaders across Deakin’s broader academic and enabling portfolios and functions.
• Strong communicator, confident in conveying program requirements and expectations to industry partners, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations. 
• Decisive decision maker, capable of exercising sound judgment to assess and integrate input from multiple stakeholders to select the best course of action for the benefit of Deakin University and the successful achievement of REACH Trailblazer program goals.

Desirable

• Demonstrable understanding of program management and university governance.

Time commitment

The successful applicant will be expected to contribute ~1hr a week to support the REACH Program.

Application Process

Please submit a short summary (500 words or less) of why you are interested in the role, and why you should be considered, including your relevant skills and experience by clicking the 'Apply' button.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Laura Prickett (Co-Chair, REACH Theme Working Groups) at laura.prickett@deakin.edu.au.

Expressions of interest close Friday 31 October 2025.

Approval process

The EOI process outlined is overseen by the Executive Director, Research Business Development and Commercialisation who has responsibility for the delivery of REACH Trailblazer Program objectives.

Following a review process, shortlisted candidates will be contacted to attend a panel interview.

Confidentiality and data protection

All submissions and inquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Deakin is committed to responsible collection and management of personal and health information.