PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• Establishing and maintaining relationships with NWU researchers and innovators.
• Undertaking prior art searches, competitive analyses and market analyses for various innovations and technologies.
• Analysing intellectual property and making recommendations for suitable route of protection.
• Identifying and engaging industry partners for collaborating in development and commercialisation of NWU intellectual property.
• Identifying and engaging potential partners for commercialisation of NWU innovations.
• Undertaking coordination and project management activities for technology transfer projects.
• Creating awareness on commercialisation and NWU IP policy through training sessions and presentation to NWU stakeholders.
• Communicating and liaising with both NWU internal and external stakeholders.

All applicants must submit a cover letter along with their CV, detailing why they are suitable for the role and how their education, skills, and experience align with the job requirements. The CV and cover letter should be submitted as a single file.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Pre-commercialisation activities

• Exploring, identifying and evaluating 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, evaluation and finalisation of innovation disclosures.
• Facilitation of IP protection processes.
• Prior art and patent landscape analysis.

Management of commercialisation projects and transactions

• Assessment of commercial opportunities.
• Innovation competitive analysis and market assessments.
• Contribution in business plan development.
• Identification and engaging of potential commercialisation partners.
• Undertaking bespoke market research and data analysis.

Technology Marketing

• Preparing technology marketing material.
• Identify suitable marketing opportunities.

Stakeholder engagements

• Visiting NWU departments/units/entities to encourage and source for potential technologies/ new IP.
• Support the development of networks within technology industries.
• Develop and maintain a stakeholder database.

Other

• General operational technology transfer support and ad hoc assistance with TTIS activities.
• Quality process and records management.

• A 4-year bachelor’s degree or honours degree (NQF level 8) in Engineering, Natural or Biological Sciences, Information Technology, Social Sciences, or Arts.
• A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in IP management, technology transfer or innovation commercialisation.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience of direct involvement in research or innovation projects.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in writing technical/business reports and proposals - direct involvement in writing documents or sections for internal or external audiences.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in project management - direct involvement in projects, coordination of collaborative tasks and task delivery.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience of industry engagement and networking with a range of stakeholders including
• private and public sector organisations - involvement in developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• A postgraduate qualification (NQF level 8) in Business, Finance, or Project Management.
• A relevant master’s degree (NQF level 9).
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in a new venture or entrepreneurship environment - involvement in creation and/or operation of new venture or business.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to understand and analyse information from a wide range of technical and scientific fields.
• Understanding of processes regarding knowledge transfer and the commercialisation of research.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a business environment.
• Market research and/or skills to perform competitive analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills: Ability to develop business documents and to write professionally (Reports, innovation marketing and business plans).
• Ability to translate scientific research into accessible communications to a general audience.
• Good oral and presentation skills: Ability to present to audiences of varying sizes.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Ability to create professional networks.
• Ability to meet set targets within tight deadlines.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Highly motivated and self-starter.
• Propensity for getting things done and completed.
• Flexible and cooperative.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Problem solver.
• Attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn.