Senior Manager: Technology Transfer (P6) (Research & Innovation: Commercialisation)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of “Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for societal impact in the context of the changing social, political, and economic fortunes of Africa”.
Job description
- Identify and promote the disclosure of new intellectual property/ innovations.
- Define intellectual property protection strategies for UJ innovations.
- Advise researchers and the Office of the General Counsel on contractual intellectual property provisions.
- Seek opportunities for exploitation of UJ technologies.
- Develop and implement commercialisation/tech transfer strategies for UJ innovations (including business plans, route to market, business case, etc.).
- Lead commercial negotiations, together with other relevant UJ stakeholders.
- Promote awareness and encourage intellectual property creation within the institution.
- Support faculties and divisions in activities that promote the development of intellectual property.
- Engage productively with UJ innovators and support them in relevant collaboration and R&D fundraising activities.
- Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including relevant university departments, other universities, funders, and investors (public and private sector), collaborators, entrepreneurs and government entities.
Minimum requirements
- A Master’s degree (NQF Level 9) in any relevant field.
- A technical background in sciences or engineering would be an added advantage.
- At least five (5) years of experience in the management of IP and/or technology transfer.
- Demonstrated understanding of the South African innovation ecosystem.
- Well-versed in IP law.
- Experience in reviewing R&D contracts.
- Proven track record of delivering projects within defined timelines under high pressure.
- Risk management: experience in the identification, assessment, and management of project risks.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills including developing presentations and report writing, providing advice, direction and support to Senior Management.
- High-level interpersonal skills with the ability to influence outcomes in an organisation with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities in a changing environment
- Capable of training, supervising and mentoring junior staff.
- Demonstrated capacity to successfully manage broad responsibilities and complex issues at the senior level.
- Proficient in computer operations, business systems and tools including Microsoft Office.
- Commercial acumen.
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
