Manager Innovation and Commercialization

The Manager Innovation and Commercialization is responsible for driving the translation of academic research into commercially viable products, services, and technologies. This role involves managing the intellectual property (IP) portfolio, facilitating technology transfer, fostering entrepreneurship among faculty and students, and establishing key industry partnerships to maximize the socio-economic impact of the university's research output.

Key Responsibilities

1. Intellectual Property (IP) Management and Protection

• IP Disclosure: Manage the IP disclosure process, receiving and assessing invention disclosures from faculty and researchers for novelty, potential market, and patentability.
• Patent Strategy: Coordinate with legal counsel to file, prosecute, and maintain patents, trademarks, and copyrights, ensuring the university's IP assets are protected.
• IP Education: Organize awareness sessions and training for the university community on IP policies, protection, and commercialization pathways.

2. Technology Transfer and Licensing

• Market Assessment: Conduct market research and technical feasibility studies to evaluate the commercial potential of university technologies.
• Valuation & Licensing: Develop strategies for the valuation, marketing, and licensing of patented and unpatented technologies to industry partners and startups.
• Negotiation: Lead and negotiate licensing agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and material transfer agreements (MTAs).
• Revenue Generation: Track and manage revenue generated from licensing agreements and technology transfers.

3. Entrepreneurship and Incubation

• Startup Support: Facilitate the creation of university-based spin-off companies by faculty and students, providing guidance on business plan development, securing seed funding, and corporate registration.
• Incubation Linkage: Serve as the primary liaison between the ORIC and the University's Business Incubation Center (BIC) or equivalent entrepreneurial programs.
• Pitching: Prepare researchers and entrepreneurs for meetings with potential investors, venture capitalists, and industry stakeholders.

4. Industry Liaison and Partnership

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with industry, government agencies, and the broader business community to identify commercialization opportunities.
• Contract Research: Facilitate contract research and consultancy agreements where university faculty apply their expertise to solve specific industry problems for a fee.
• Collaboration Events: Organize Technology Showcases, industry symposiums, and networking events to connect innovators with potential commercial partners.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree (minimum 16 years of education) in Business Administration (MBA), Law, Engineering, Science, or Technology Management. A degree in a relevant field combined with a certification in Technology Transfer or Intellectual Property is highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum 4-6 years of progressive experience in technology transfer, IP management, business development, industry liaison, or a related commercialization role, preferably in a university, research organization, or a technology-focused company.

Required Skills and Competencies

• IP Law Fundamentals: Solid working knowledge of IP laws, patent filing processes, and licensing practices.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of market analysis, business plan development, financial modeling, and venture capital.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to effectively negotiate complex legal and financial contracts with external partners.

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience in technology transfer, IP management, business development, industry liaison, or a related commercialization role, preferably in a university, research organization, or a technology-focused company?

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Work Location: In person