Business Development Manager, Engineering and Sciences

WESTERN UNIVERSITY; London; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Western University in London, Ontario seeks a Business Development Manager for Engineering and Sciences to lead commercialization of university inventions and manage industry collaborations. You will evaluate innovations, drive patent processes, and negotiate licenses while supporting spin‑offs and start‑ups.

The role requires deep knowledge of technology transfer, strong negotiation and project management skills, and the ability to build networks with external partners.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in an engineering or science field as a baseline qualification.
• PhD is preferred to strengthen research and technology assessment capabilities.
• Business education or relevant experience helps with commercialization and negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategies to enhance commercialization of Western IP and manage industry relations.
• Evaluate disclosures, manage patent processes, and assess commercial potential.
• Negotiate licenses, research agreements, and material transfer agreements.
• Identify opportunities for prototype funding and spin‑off development.

Education

Master’s Degree in Engineering or Science related field

PhD in Engineering or Science related field

Business education (HBA, MBA) or equivalent

Job description

Press Control+M to start dragging object

Business Development Manager, Engineering and Sciences

Employee Group PMA - Professional and Managerial Association

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The office of the Vice-President (Research) fosters a culture of research excellence by promoting a globally minded approach to curiosity, discovery, creative activity, and innovation. The Vice-President (Research) also provides strategic leadership of Western Research, which allocates resources, aligns strategies, and provides services and programs to ensure Western is a leading research-intensive university. It is also responsible to ensure a healthy flow of technology resulting from Western research to the commercial world thereby creating jobs, increasing economic development and the general betterment of society.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of the Western Technology Transfer Office (WTTO), the Business Development Manager will lead, develop and implement strategies to enhance commercialization of intellectual property created by Western and its partners including, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and staff. The role will also provide support in matters related to industrial interactions and intellectual property management in the area of the Engineering and Sciences. The role will establish relationships in order to solicit new innovations for the WTTO, seek out commercialization opportunities and maintain relationships with industry, partners and other stakeholders in order to reinforce and advance the reputation of Western and the WTTO locally, nationally and internationally.

The Business Development Manager will research and evaluate innovation disclosures, develop and manage patent processes, determine commercial potential for innovations, make decisions on technology investments, and develop and execute related marketing plans. The role will negotiate terms and conditions of licenses, research and development agreements, and material transfer and confidentiality agreements. The Business Development Manager will identify opportunities for prototype development funding, and assist with spin-off company creation, including business plan preparation, market research, developing research and development plans with inventors, and strategic planning.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree in an Engineering or Science related field (such as Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Medical Sciences, Statistical & Actuarial Science, etc.)
• PhD in an Engineering or Science related field preferred
• Business education (e.g. HBA, MBA) or equivalent business experience preferred

Experience:

• 5 years of business development experience, with research and technology transfer initiatives and in negotiating business arrangements in the private sector or industry
• Working experience in an academic environment with liaison between university and industry preferred
• Experience in patenting, licensing and start-up companies (business planning, financing, managing) preferred
• Working experience in commercialization of innovations in a social sciences field would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Technical knowledge in a Life Sciences related field
• In-depth knowledge of relevant business practices, intellectual property management and protection, including copyrights and patents
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of developments in the field of technology transfer, commercialization, entrepreneurship and knowledge mobilization
• In-depth knowledge of the regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence dealing with all levels of an organization
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Strong customer service skills to resolve inquiries and issues in a professional and timely manner
• Ability to maintain and develop an effective network of contacts that provide information regarding emergent opportunities and best practices
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading abilities
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to the organization's strategy and goals
• Ambitious with the ability to identify opportunities, develop action plans and set challenging goals in order to achieve desired outcomes
• Ability to evaluate issues, recognize potential problems and take action to proactively resolve issues
• Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone [phone].

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.