Senior Manager: Technology Transfer (P6) (Research & Innovation: Commercialisation)

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-Chancellors 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

Job Description:

Reporting to the Director: Technology Transfer Office, the Senior Manager: Technology Transfer is responsible for the identification, protection and management of UJ intellectual property and ensuring that such intellectual property makes impact in society.

Responsibilities

• 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 Masters 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 drivers license.

Competencies And Behavioural Attributes

• 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.

Enquiries

Enquiries regarding the job content: Rosemary Wolson at Tel: (011) 559-7799

Enquiries regarding remuneration and benefits: Mr. Innocent Masoka (HCM Business Partner) at Tel: (011) 559-1531