Specialist: Investment & Commercialisation (Technology Transfer Office)

UWC Online - University of the Western Cape; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent South African university seeks a Technology Transfer Specialist to enhance commercialization of research outputs. The ideal candidate will manage technology transfer projects, engage with researchers, and assist in innovation funding applications. A postgraduate degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience in a technology transfer environment are essential. Skills in project management and excellent communication are also required. Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and support university-based research transitioning to market applications.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in a Research Institution Technology Transfer or Innovation environment.
• Experience in project management, new product/innovation/business development.
• 2 years of relevant work experience or postgraduate research.

Responsibilities

• Engage with researchers to identify innovative solutions.
• Conduct IP & Innovation Evaluation.
• Develop commercialisation strategies for innovations.
• Assist with innovation funding applications.
• Manage technology transfer projects.
• Promote UWC's technology transfer function.

Skills

Research-related agreements knowledge

University research policies knowledge

Project management skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Postgraduate degree at NQF8 in Science, Engineering, Technology or Business

Masters degree at NQF9 in relevant discipline (added advantage)

Job description

The University of the Western Cape (UWC)’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) sits within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation portfolio. Key functions of the TTO are to (1) raise awareness of the national legislation on Intellectual Property (IP), UWC Research and IP Policy, and the value of protecting IP (2) manage IP disclosures and protection (3) support and facilitate the protection and commercialisation of UWC’s IP and (4) promote a culture of innovation.

The UWC TTO is looking for an individual to join our team who has the appropriate knowledge, skills, competencies and passion for commercialisation of UWC’s Intellectual Property and Innovations and is keen to be involved in the various aspects and processes of getting university-based research outputs to social and/or economic markets.

Reporting to the TTO Manager, the role of the Technology Transfer Specialist: Investment & Commercialisation involves developing strong relationships with UWC’s researchers, as well as with industrial, commercial and other innovation partners, in order to identify, develop, market and transfer UWC’s intellectual property into use in society.

The successful candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following key areas:

• Engaging with UWC researchers to identify innovative technologies/solutions
• Undertaking IP & Innovation Evaluation to assess the potential of these innovations
• Developing and implementing commercialisation and/or innovation development strategies for these innovations and guiding TT Project managers when necessary
• Assisting UWC researchers with innovation funding applications or business plans for innovation development and sourcing investment
• Identifying and managing partnerships with commercialisation partners and relevant stakeholders for specific commercialisation opportunities
• Managing technology transfer projects from proof of concept through to commercialisation.
• Managing of innovation funding programmes (e.g. Seed Funding)
• Promoting and representing the UWC’s technology transfer function to internal and external stakeholders, including training and awareness events
• Providing general support with TTO operations and activities as well as specific TTO-led initiatives.

Minimum Requirements (Qualification & Experience)

• Postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification at NQF8 in a relevant Science, Engineering, Technology or Business discipline
• 5-7 years of experience in a Research Institution Technology Transfer or Innovation environment, preferably in research commercialization or business development or technology entrepreneurship
• 3 years of the 5 years’ experience should include project management and new product/innovation/business development/technology entrepreneurship
• 2 years of the 5 years should include postgraduate research or other relevant work experience

Added Advantage

• Masters degree or equivalent qualification at NQF9 in a relevant Science, Engineering, Technology or Business discipline
• A recognised business/finance qualification(s)
• 5 years of experience in Technology Transfer or Innovation environment, preferably in research commercialization or business development
• 5 years of experience in project management and new product/innovation/business development
• 3 years of experience in business/finance

Required competencies (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes)

• Sound knowledge of research-related agreements managed by universities
• Sound knowledge of university research environment, including relevant legislation and policies
• Knowledge of sponsored research contract administration
• Managerial and project management skills
• Excellent communication skills in English – written and verbal
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in a customer-focused service environment
  

For further information on the UWC TTO (not application), please contact the Technology Transfer Director, Dr Ana Casanueva at [phone] or [e-mail]