Director: Technology Transfer

Stellenbosch University Innovus

Director: Technology Transfer

(Ref. INV/128/0418)

Innovus is the technology transfer division of Stellenbosch University (SU). Innovus is also responsible for the University's group of companies, the Nedbank Stellenbosch University LaunchLab, the Copyright and Short Courses divisions, Commercialisation and the Intellectual Property portfolio of the University.

 

Duties

The key responsibilities of the incumbent will be to work closely with other members of the technology transfer team of Innovus on the following key performance areas:

• Managing and leading the technology transfer team:
  • Providing strong leadership to a team of highly qualified technology transfer professionals towards achieving annual technology transfer targets and goals;
  • Managing the team effectively and ensuring that the technology transfer processes are adhered to and that strong governance is applied.
• Networking and Marketing:
  • Establishing and maintaining productive relationships with SU's academic and research community to stimulate awareness of intellectual property issues and commercial opportunities, and to foster an innovative and entrepreneurial culture on campus;
  • Engaging directly and proactively with faculty to identify SU intellectual property with potential for commercial exploitation;
  • Marketing Innovus effectively on and off campus through events, newsletters, meetings, publications, etc.;
  • Actively and regularly updating the Innovus social media accounts and website information with news, events information, etc.;
  • Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with industry;
  • Appropriately marketing SU intellectual property to identify and engage commercial exploitation partners / investors.
• Evaluation and protection:
  • Grasping technical concepts quickly, and translating these into commercially viable proposals;
  • Managing a large and growing portfolio of projects to a successful commercial conclusion;
  • Assisting outside counsel in preparation and prosecution of patent applications, to ensure commercially important aspects of invention are protected;
  • Assessing the commercial potential of SU intellectual property based on uniqueness and market potential;
  • Advising academics on, and executing, the best mode of protection for SU intellectual property;
  • Identifying appropriate routes to exploitation;
  • Analysing business opportunities;
  • Preparing and recommending optimal deal structuring of potential spin-out companies and/or licence potential.
• Commercialisation:
  • Identifying potential industry partners for specific technology commercialisation opportunities;
  • Constantly and very proactively liaising with industry in order to facilitate technology transactions;
  • Supporting faculty who want to commercialise their ideas and inventions through licensing;
  • Supporting campus-based entrepreneurs who want to commercialise their ideas and inventions through a start-up company, including assistance with business models, business plans and entrepreneurial support;
  • Working closely with outside counsel to ensure that commercial legal agreements are drafted in a manner that provides sufficient protection for the University and Innovus and ensuring that appropriate corporate governance is adhered to;
  • Engaging in technology licensing and new venture formation processes - in particular structuring, negotiating and closing deals;
  • Working effectively with key stakeholders, assertively influencing them and where appropriate showing tenacity and persistence in business development situations;
  • Post-deal contract management to monitor compliance, managing royalty invoicing and determining if targets in agreements are met and deciding on suitable interventions where licensees default on contract terms or do not meet commercialisation targets.
• Project Financial Management:
  • Forecasting capital/ operational expenses in line with guidelines in area of responsibility;
  • Managing costs against approved budget;
  • Authorising selected project costs.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management:
  • Developing and maintaining positive working partnerships with internal and external stakeholders;
  • Managing stakeholder expectations;
  • Representing Stellenbosch University at external forums, seminars, etc.
• Communication, risk management and other duties: 
  • Communicating regularly and effectively with other members of Innovus, including having regular meetings with the Senior Director: Innovation and Business Development, to ensure effective management of SU intellectual property and the commercialisation thereof;
  • Carrying out such other duties relevant to the incumbent's experience as requested by the Senior Director: Innovation and Business Development;
  • Monitoring the execution of key delivery actions, issues and risk.

 

Job Requirements

• A postgraduate SET or business degree, or equivalent qualification;
• At least eight years' experience of technology commercialisation in the private sector or a research-based environment, although preference will be given to candidates from the private sector;
• Proven record of deal initiation and completion (from initial stages to the successful closure of the deal);
• Proven experience of negotiating contractual terms of relevant commercial agreements;
• Proven experience of management a team of highly qualified individuals;
• Solid experience as a director or secretary at company board level (please indicate this specifically on your application);
• Good understanding of the Intellectual Property Rights of Publicly Funded Research and Development Act (51 of 2008) and its Regulations;
• Practical knowledge of and access to commercialisation and investment networks;
• Very strong negotiation skills;
• Solid understanding of basic legal terms in technology commercialisation agreements - this includes licensing and company related agreements;
• Good understanding of the Stellenbosch University Policy in Respect of the Commercial Exploitation of Intellectual Property;
• Excellent business acumen;
• Excellent organisational skills;
• Good computer and internet use skills;
• Good communication and numeracy skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills;
• Proactive self-starter;
• Ability to support others and to work as part of a team;
• Flexible and cooperative;
• Results-driven;
• Valid South African driver's licence and own transport.

 

Recommendation

• PhD in a SET, Business of Finance field;
• Experience in a technology transfer offiice at a university;
• Experience in a venture capital or similar environment;
• Experience in a scientific environment.

 

Enquiries

Enquiries Enquiries regarding job content: Anita Nel on 021 808 3079, or on ajnel@sun.ac.za   

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Service Centre on 021 808 2753, or on sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za