We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.
Salary: £41,526.00 - £49,553.00 per annum, pro rata
Closing Date: 7 January 2021
The Role
We require an all-round business development professional to work on a range of enterprise and commercialisation related project activity, including support with translational grant applications, assessment and evaluation of inventions, intellectual property management, negotiating license agreements and contract research, and business planning. You will be an integral member of the University’s Business Development and Enterprise unit, working within a dedicated team in the Faculty of Medical Sciences.
You should have an understanding of the principles, processes and issues underpinning technology innovation and commercialisation in a Higher Education Institution. Technical, strategic and commercial acumen will also be required. Previous experience in both academia and the commercial sector would be a distinct advantage.
This role is fixed term until 30 January 2024. We will consider applications for part time or flexible working arrangements.
For informal enquiries please contact Geraint Lewis on geraint.lewis@ncl.ac.uk
Key Accountabilities
- In line with University/Faculty strategy and working closely with academic staff, assess, support and develop knowledge transfer, enterprise and IP related activities building on the academic community’s intellectual property and know-how arising from research and teaching. This will entail assessing commercial markets, preparing outline and detailed business plans and technical development strategies
- Support the effective preparation of external funding proposals for engagement and knowledge transfer, enterprise and IP related projects. Work with academic staff to develop effective briefs to undertake market/technology assessments and, where appropriate, undertake such assessments personally including the early stages of spin-out company development
- Support the development of strategies for particular enterprise activities and then lead, where agreed and in consultation with Legal Services, the negotiation of heads of terms and final terms of related agreements
- Support, and where agreed undertake, effective project management and oversight for an agreed portfolio of knowledge transfer and IP commercialisation projects from inception to completion over a range of projects from as appropriate
- Provide effective support to third-party interactions throughout the enterprise process. In consultation with Legal Services, ensure that collaboration agreements, CDAs, MTAs etc., are appropriate and protect the University's interests
- Undertake due diligence on project related information and intellectual property ownership for enterprise related projects
- Work as part of a faculty team as appropriate to devise, develop and deliver sales and marketing related activities to secure external interest in enterprise related project activity
- Working with other members of research, legal and business development assess ideas for IP protection and then assist in the securing of agreed IP protection
- Undertake risk assessment strategies on the project portfolio and make recommendations to the appropriate senior management
- Raise awareness of the importance of enterprise and intellectual property, commercialisation and the value of know-how across the University
- Support, develop and disseminate good practice in IP and enterprise related activities
- Provide an effective service to support the resolution of issues arising from enterprise related project activities to protect the University’s position and reputation
- Act within the delegation of authority schedule of the University as agreed from time to time
- Develop and maintain extensive knowledge of commercial markets in technology, intellectual property and technology transfer related matters
- Undertake such other duties as are required by the line manager from time to time and, where requested, deputise for other staff
- Provide support, and develop effective relationships, across the academic base of the Faculty, taking on focussed responsibility for individual academic units where agreed
- Secure the protection, then develop and enhance the value of University intellectual assets, which may have potentially significant value
- Supervise a large project portfolio of different degrees of complexity
- Act as a representative of the University in negotiations and relationships with third parties acting at all times in good faith and in an ethical manner.[JE1]
- Manage the negotiation of a variety of enterprise-related contracts
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Wide range of experience and demonstrable knowledge of project activity, with in-depth knowledge of some specialist areas including industrial engagement, knowledge exchange, commercial collaborations, contracts, project funding, consultancy, as well as IP management and patents and exploitation through licensing and spin-out formation
- Specialist knowledge of intellectual property
- Ability to empathise and work closely with researchers across a diverse discipline portfolio
- Ability to learn quickly, adapt and improvise
- Ability and willingness to work independently in a complex technical landscape
- Be a credible representative for the University in external negotiations
- Demonstrate resilience and an ability to work well under pressure
- Have an entrepreneurial and flexible approach
- Be a team player
- Excellent communication skills
- Extensive experience in a technology organisation, research institute or relevant commercial organisation
- Experience in supporting academic staff in project development, proposal preparation and project management (Desirable)
- Specialist scientific knowledge in life sciences discipline (ideally a first or higher degree) (Desirable)
Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent in-depth knowledge in a relevant life science subject) plus commercial or technical experience
Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains staff from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.