NWU

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) DIVISION –RESEARCH AND INNOVATION - TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND INNOVATION SUPPORT OFFICE POSITION NUMBER: N000969 VACANCY: SENIOR SPECIALIST: COMMERCIALISATION PEROMNES GRADE: P7 EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The purpose of this position within Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) is to drive the commercialisation of intellectual property (IP) and innovations arising from NWU research by enabling the identification and assessment of commercialisation opportunities, and the development and implementation of strategies that maximise their societal and economic impact. The Senior Specialist: Commercialisation provides specialist expertise across the commercialisation lifecycle, working collaboratively with NWU researchers and innovators, as well as external stakeholders including funders, industry partners, investors, and commercialisation and development partners, to facilitate technology transfer, strengthen innovation partnerships, and translate research outputs into sustainable commercial and societal value.

Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role and alignment of their qualifications, skills and experience with the position requirements. Applicants must also provide three contactable references, which may be contacted at any stage of the selection process. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and psychometric assessments.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Technology development support and pre-commercialisation activities.

• Engaging with NWU research and innovation community to source appropriate innovation projects and maintaining a project pipeline.
• Exploring, identifying and evaluating NWU technologies and innovations with prospects of intellectual property protection and commercialisation.
• Advising and engaging NWU researchers and innovators on opportunities for protection and commercialisation of NWU intellectual property.
• Handling, evaluating and finalising innovation disclosures.
• Facilitation of IP protection processes.
• Undertaking prior art searches and analysing patent landscapes.
• Performing competitive analyses and market research.
• Fund-raising for technologies and innovation projects.
• Finding industry partners collaborative development of new products and solutions.                          

2. Management of individual commercialisation projects & implementation of commercialisation strategy and transactions

• Critically assessing projects and innovations for commercially viability and licencing opportunities.
• Developing commercialisation roadmaps with understanding of current and future opportunities.
• Proactive identification of project risks and portfolio opportunities.
• Developing commercialisation strategies for innovations and technologies.
• Writing, re-modelling and/or assessing proposals and business plans for technology development and commercialisation.
• Drive the execution of commercialisation strategies to deal conclusion.
• Evaluating IP using appropriate IP valuation methodologies.
• Engaging in structuring and negotiations of licencing agreements.

3. Internal and external stakeholder engagements

• Visiting of NWU departments/units/entities to encourage and source for potential technologies/ new IP.
• Supporting the development of networks within technology industries.
• Maintaining relationships with external stakeholders such as funders, government agencies and industry partners.
• Developing and maintaining relevant stakeholder database(s).

4. Marketing and promotion of innovations and technologies

• Implementation of marketing strategies to increase the visibility of NWU’s innovations and partnership opportunities for commercialisation.
• Preparing innovation and technology marketing material for publication on various platforms.
• Identifying and pursuing appropriate marketing opportunities for NWU innovations.

5. Training and awareness

• Preparing and delivering presentations, webinars, workshops on IP, technology transfer and commercialisation to various audiences.

6.  Other

• Implementation of quality process and records management.

• A Bachelor degree / Bachelor honours degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) (NQF Level 8).
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in technology commercialisation environment or in new product development.
• A proven track record in identifying, assessing and developing commercialisation opportunities arising from research outputs and market needs.
• Demonstrable experience in managing multidisciplinary research, technology development and/or commercialisation projects involving multiple stakeholders within an innovation environment.
• Sound knowledge and practical experience in applying the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act and related legislation relevant to university innovation and technology transfer.
• Demonstrable experience in developing funding proposals and business cases, securing funding, and managing project budgets and financial projections.
• Proven capability in building and managing relationships with researchers, industry, government, funding agencies and other innovation stakeholders.

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• A Postgraduate qualification in Business/Finance/Project management (NQF Level 8).
• A Master’s degree in Engineering/Science/Business (NQF Level 9).
• Registered Technology Transfer Professional.
• Knowledge and practical understanding of technology transfer processes and the functions of a Technology Transfer Office (TTO).
• Experience in managing or coordinating innovation funding instruments, such as seed funds or similar mechanisms, including budgeting, monitoring, reporting and oversight of funded projects.
• Practical experience in business incubation, entrepreneurship development or supporting the establishment and growth of technology-based start-ups.
• Experience in developing and delivering training programmes, workshops or awareness initiatives on intellectual property (IP), technology transfer and commercialisation. 

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong communication, presentation, proposal and report-writing skills, with the capacity to engage, influence and negotiate effectively with researchers, industry partners, investors, funders and other stakeholders.
• Proven capability in establishing and maintaining strategic networks with commercialisation partners, industry stakeholders, investors, government agencies and innovation ecosystem partners.
• Proficiency in conducting IP assessments, prior art searches, market research, competitive analysis and commercial due diligence to evaluate technology opportunities.
• Sound understanding of scientific and technical innovations, with the ability to translate complex concepts into commercially viable opportunities for non-academic audiences. Knowledge of product development pathways, technology readiness levels (TRLs) and relevant regulatory considerations for technology commercialisation.
• Experience in developing funding applications, business cases and commercialisation proposals, including financial projections, budget development and monitoring of funded projects.
• Capability to identify, evaluate and develop commercialisation opportunities arising from research outputs, industry needs and market opportunities.
• Knowledge of intellectual property management and commercialisation processes, including IP protection strategies, licensing pathways and technology transfer transactions.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• A Postgraduate qualification in Business/Finance/Project management (NQF Level 8).
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability and ownership in prioritising, managing and progressing commercialisation activities with limited supervision.
• Builds collaborative relationships and partnerships, sharing knowledge and working effectively across multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Shows adaptability, resilience and commercial curiosity when responding to changing innovation, technology and market environments.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• People Leadership:
• • Demonstrates sound judgement in evaluating technologies, prioritising opportunities and developing strategies to advance innovations towards commercial outcomes.
  • Ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders, including researchers, industry partners, investors and funding organisations, towards shared commercialisation objectives.
• Personal Leadership:
• • Demonstrates strategic thinking, initiative, adaptability and accountability while managing complex innovation projects and competing priorities.
  • Promotes collaboration, continuous improvement and alignment with organisational values and objectives.