Incubation & Commercialisation Programme Lead

University of Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waikato seeks a Commercialisation Capability Lead to design and deliver programmes that build commercialisation awareness, skills and engagement across our academic community. You will establish and scale the Waikato University Incubation Programme, using Hiko Hub as its space, and develop workshops, e-learning resources and industry connections.

This is a senior, highly collaborative role, serving as the primary link between researchers and end-to-end services from disclosure

Qualifications

• Doctoral qualification in a relevant discipline (science, engineering, business, health or technology).
• At least seven years' experience in research commercialisation, technology transfer, incubation or acceleration programme management, or a closely related role.
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing incubation or acceleration programmes, ideally within a university or research environment.
• Experience developing capability-building programmes, workshops and educational content for researchers and professional staff.
• Strong knowledge of the research commercialisation lifecycle, including invention disclosure, intellectual property protection, licensing, spin-out creation and venture development.
• Excellent programme management, communication and stakeholder relationship skills.
• Experience working within, or closely with, the New Zealand research commercialisation ecosystem.
• Cultural competence and a genuine commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, including the ability to engage respectfully with Māori researchers and communities.
• Experience designing e-learning content, working with innovation spaces, organising industry connection programmes, or building networks across the startup and investment ecosystem would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of programmes that build commercialisation awareness, skills and engagement.
• Establish and scale the Waikato University Incubation Programme and related workshops and resources.
• Connect researchers with industry, investors and innovation networks to accelerate impact.
• Act as the primary connector between researchers and the University's end-to-end commercialisation services.

Skills

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Facilitation

Strategic thinking

Collaborative approach

Cultural competency

Education

Doctoral qualification (PhD) in a relevant discipline

Job description

The University of Waikato seeks a Commercialisation Capability Lead to design and deliver programmes that build commercialisation awareness, skills and engagement across our academic community. You will establish and scale the Waikato University Incubation Programme, using Hiko Hub as its space, and develop workshops, e-learning resources and industry connections.

This is a senior, highly collaborative role, serving as the primary link between researchers and end-to-end services from disclosure