CB

Clare Birch

Senior Associate at Blackbird

Sydney, New South Wales

Overview 

Clare Birch is a Senior Associate at Blackbird in Sydney, New South Wales, with a background in computational chemistry and a strong focus on investing in early-stage companies in sectors such as Space, Robotics, and DeepTech. With experience as a Scientist in Residence and Investment Associate, Clare has leveraged her leadership skills and expertise in research to contribute to Blackbird's investment decisions and support the growth of innovative startups in various industries. Highlights of Clare's career include serving as a Member of the National Quantum Advisory Committee at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and leading the Chemistry Outreach Team at the University of Sydney, showcasing her commitment to advancing scientific research and educational equity.

Work Experience 

B

Blackbird

  • Senior Associate

    2024 - Current

  • Scientist in Residence

    2021

    Finding and nurturing the best and most ambitious ANZ scientific and engineering talent to create world-changing companies.

  • Investment Associate

    2021 - 2024

    Finding and investing in great founders across our deep tech and life sciences portfolio.

Do

Department of Industry, Science and Resources

  • Member, National Quantum Advisory Committee

    2022

    Invited by the Hon Ed Husic, Minister for Science and Industry, and Dr Cathy Foley, Chief Scientist. Outputs: Australia's National Quantum Strategy

S

Startmate

  • Coach

    2021 - 2024

Uo

University of Sydney

  • Chemistry Outreach Team Lead

    2019 - 2021

    Created and delivered educational programs for chemistry students from a range of backgrounds (remote classes, rural workshops in Orange, high-achievers with the International Science School). In the final ~year, managed a team of staff to do the same. Published scicomm articles alongside Dr Karl, Adam Spencer, and Alice Motion. Highlight: co-created and ran International Science School (ISS) 2021 Chemistry workshops ('Is the Universe Ruled by Chaos?', July 2021).

  • Research Assistant - Chemistry

    2019 - 2020

    Continuation of investigation into G4/hemin DNAzymes begun at Nanjing University. DFT simulations to probe the effects of long-range electrostatic field on the system's catalytic efficacy. Poster at APATCC-19. Also, research assistant in Chemistry Education.

  • Student Fellow to the Academic Board and the Faculty of Science and its Board

    2019 - 2019

    Elected by peers to represent undergraduate interests at the University's second-highest governing body, and to represent student interests in science curriculum and student experience.

D

DeadlyScience

  • Programs Coordinator

    2021 - 2021

    First employee.

OF

Oxford Falls Grammar School

  • Learning Support Assistant/Teachers'​ Aid

    2017 - 2018

    Coached high school students with specific learning needs.

CO

Cotton On Group

  • Retail Assistant

    2016 - 2017

Moneytax Financial Centre

  • Receptionist

    2015 - 2016

Education 

Articles About Clare

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