Director (P5) (Research Development & Support Division: Technology Transfer Office)
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
- Lead the development, disclosure, and management of the university’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio.
- Incorporate tools and technologies for early and efficient identification of new IP and provide leadership and oversight for such development and collaborate with appropriate organisations. Among others, use advanced IP mining techniques, including artificial intelligence, and an informed data-driven approach for analysis, and identification of opportunities and partners.
- Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with academic departments, research centers, institutes, and the executive management of university-owned companies.
- Ensure compliance with national and institutional IP policies related to technology transfer and patent applications.
- Develop relevant institutional policies.
- Market the university’s opportunities regionally, nationally, and internationally.
- Develop and strengthen partnerships with industry, entrepreneurs, and investors to commercialise research outputs.
- Lead with management of the Incubation Programme.
- Oversee the development of commercialisation strategies and business plans for UJ opportunities.
- Negotiate IP ownership between researchers, licensees, and other commercial agreements with external parties, UJ-owned companies, and/or entities.
- Raise external funding for the innovation portfolio.
Minimum requirements
- A relevant Postgraduate qualification, minimum of a Masters Degree coupled with a technical background in SET (Science Engineering or Technology).
- A minimum of Eight (8) to Ten (10) years’ experience at the Management level
- Demonstrable ability in due diligence, and deal structuring
- Strong project management skills and risk analysis
- The ability to interpret market reports and develop market penetration strategies.
- Appropriate knowledge of IP matters
- Risk management: experience in the identification, assessment, and management of project risks.
- Track record in facilitating innovation and commercialisation/business development.
- Track record in raising funds from public and private sources
- Leadership skills and proven ability to manage teams.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Familiar with the IPR Act of 2008, NIPMO, and compliance requirements for a university’s TTO.
- Professional skills in computer operations, business systems, and tools including Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent written, verbal, listening, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation related to Intellectual Property (IPP).
- A doctoral/PhD qualification will be an added advantage.
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.
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.
For more information, please review the following link: Justice/Criminal/NRSO.
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.
