Overview of the Role - 2 Year Fixed Term
Are you interested in science and understanding complex technologies and looking to develop your career? Do you want to play a role in the development and commercialisation of Intellectual Property (IP) from the University?
This post provides an exciting opportunity to play a role in the development of commercial opportunities that stem from IP generated within the University of Leeds, one of the largest research intensive universities in the UK. The University has c.30 active spinout companies, 6 of which are listed on the investment markets, in addition to a significant portfolio of technology licenses. To accelerate the development and commercialisation of its leading research, the University’s Commercialisation Team also manages sizeable proof of market and proof of concept investment funds.
The Opportunity Development function within the Commercialisation Team has responsibility for building the portfolio of early-stage IP opportunities emerging from the university’s research base. The team leads the identification, commercial assessment, development and management of these early-stage IP based opportunities, supporting their commercial development, and co-ordinating submission of funding applications. This involves actively supporting IP protection processes and alignment of research outputs with commercial development roadmaps to inform decision making by undertaking thorough assessment.
You will be a key part of Opportunity Development with responsibilities for new commercialisation opportunities arising from physical science focussed facilities. You will be expected to further develop skills and knowledge in IP management and commercialisation. You will report to the Head of Opportunity Development.
This is a challenging role requiring a proactive and self-motivated individual. You will have a background in physics, engineering, mathematics, or computer science, and have experience of commercial development or innovation processes in either a commercial or institutional environment.
You will have strong evaluation, planning and project management skills with good IP knowledge and experience of implementing the innovation process in a research-intensive environment. You will be comfortable with creating and leading initiatives (including workshops, seminars and talks) to engage and support the academic community.
The ability to effectively engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders is essential to this role.
Main duties and responsibilities
As a Commercialisation Manager your main duties will include:
• Working with research teams and academic staff across the University to proactively increase the pipeline of research commercialisation opportunities;
• Working within the Opportunity Development Team to conduct detailed reviews of IP and prior art searches and evaluate the results;
• Working within the Opportunity Development Team to undertake robust and detailed commercial due diligence of new opportunities to ensure close alignment with market needs;
• Supporting the preparation of commercialisation projects to assist development of new opportunities and coordinating the submission of project applications across a range of internal and external funding schemes;
• Providing end-to-end project management of commercial development projects;
• Ongoing review of projects, collecting metrics and reporting of progress and outcomes to University and external committees as required;
• Providing advice to academic colleagues on the commercial exploitation of their research;
• Preparing briefing papers for internal and external stakeholders as required on matters relating to commercialisation;
• To maintain, at all times, accurate records and participate in administrative systems development, when required. This will involve supporting senior colleagues in this regard;
• Ensuring commercialisation development projects and associated agreements are appropriately monitored and managed;
• Utilising and updating appropriate databases to support opportunity disclosures, patent and contract administration processes and other information relating to patents, licenses and potential opportunities;
These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the post. You will be expected to be physically based at the University at least 2-3 days a week.
Qualifications and skills
Essential
- A degree in either physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science or closely aligned subject;
- Experience of commercial development or innovation process in a university (or other institution) and/or industry environment;
- A strong interest in and/or knowledge of the development of early stage technological/scientific opportunities;
- Experience of implementing the key stages of the innovation process in a university and/or a commercial innovation environment, particularly in the physical sciences and engineering fields;
- Experience of the identification, commercial assessment and evaluation of early stage, technological/ scientific opportunities;
- Excellent organisation skills with a good knowledge of project management principles with some experience of working on early-stage technology projects;
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills combined with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team as well as on own initiative;
- Excellent communication (written and oral) and presentation skills and the ability to communicate complex information effectively with multiple audiences and levels of seniority;
- The ability to produce and present reports and analyse management information and data;
- Strong IT skills, with experience of using Microsoft Office programmes and management information systems;
- A commitment to continuous professional development.
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of the protection and management of IP;
- Experience of the use of IT systems for recording and accessing data for the provision of reliable and accurate management information;
- A postgraduate degree in a physical sciences and engineering related discipline;
- Excellent project management skills with a track-record of delivering early stage technology projects.
Contact information
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:
Blake Prime, Head of Opportunity Development
Email: b.prime@leeds.ac.uk
Additional information
Working at Leeds
We are a campus based community and regular interaction with campus is an expectation of all roles in line with academic and service needs and the requirements of the role. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Leeds area visit our Working at Leeds information page.
Our University
At the University of Leeds, we are committed to providing a culture of inclusion, respect and equity of opportunity that attracts, supports, and retains the best students and staff from all backgrounds. Whatever role we recruit for we are always striving to increase the diversity of our community, which each individual helps enrich and cultivate. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community; people who identify as LGBT+; and disabled people. Candidates will always be selected based on merit and ability.
Information for disabled candidates
Information for disabled candidates, or candidates with impairments or health conditions, including requesting alternative formats, can be found on our Accessibility information page or by getting in touch with us at hr@leeds.ac.uk
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act once their disability becomes known.
Criminal record information
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
A criminal record check is not required for this position. However, all applicants will be required to declare if they have any ‘unspent’ criminal offences, including those pending.
Any offer of appointment will be in accordance with our Criminal Records policy. You can find out more about required checks and declarations in our Criminal Records information page.