Business Development Manager, Sciences

The University of Western Ontario; London; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in London, Ontario, is seeking a Business Development Manager to enhance the commercialization of intellectual property and foster relationships in industry. Ideal candidates will possess a Master's degree in a science field, substantial experience in business development, and strong communication skills. This role offers opportunities to manage patent processes and negotiate agreements while supporting technology transfer initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5 years of business development experience in research and technology transfer.
• Experience in patenting, licensing, and start-up companies.
• Ability to evaluate issues and proactively resolve them.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercialization strategies for intellectual property.
• Negotiate licenses and agreements.
• Develop and manage patent processes.

Skills

Technical knowledge in a Science related field

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong customer service skills

Project management skills

Education

Master’s Degree in a Science related field

PhD in a Science related field

Business education (HBA, MBA)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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 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 a Science related field (such as Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Environmental Sciences, Medical Sciences, Statistical & Actuarial Science, etc.)
PhD in a Science related field is 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
Experience in patenting, licensing and start-up companies (business planning, financing, managing)
Working experience in commercialization of innovations in a sciences field would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Technical knowledge in a Science 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].

Interested applicants can submit an application, including a resume with cover letter, through the Working at Western website under Western’s Employment Opportunities.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.