ABOUT US

The office of the Vice-President (Research) fosters a culture of research excellence by promoting a globally minded approach to curiosity, discovery, creative activity, and innovation. The Vice-President (Research) also provides strategic leadership of Western Research, which allocates resources, aligns strategies, and provides services and programs to ensure Western is a leading research-intensive university. It is also responsible to ensure a healthy flow of technology resulting from Western research to the commercial world thereby creating jobs, increasing economic development and the general betterment of society.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Master’s Degree in a Science related field (such as Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Environmental Sciences, Medical Sciences, Statistical & Actuarial Science, etc.)
• PhD in a Science related field is preferred
• Business education (e.g. HBA, MBA) or equivalent business experience preferred

Experience:

• 5 years of business development experience, with research and technology transfer initiatives and in negotiating business arrangements in the private sector or industry
• Working experience in an academic environment with liaison between university and industry
• Experience in patenting, licensing and start-up companies (business planning, financing, managing)
• Working experience in commercialization of innovations in a sciences field would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Technical knowledge in a Science related field
• In-depth knowledge of relevant business practices, intellectual property management and protection, including copyrights and patents
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of developments in the field of technology transfer, commercialization, entrepreneurship and knowledge mobilization
• In-depth knowledge of the regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence dealing with all levels of an organization
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Strong customer service skills to resolve inquiries and issues in a professional and timely manner
• Ability to maintain and develop an effective network of contacts that provide information regarding emergent opportunities and best practices
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading abilities
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to the organization’s strategy and goals
• Ambitious with the ability to identify opportunities, develop action plans and set challenging goals in order to achieve desired outcomes
• Ability to evaluate issues, recognize potential problems and take action to proactively resolve issues
• Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines

• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office SuiteAbility to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders

Reporting to the Director of the Western Technology Transfer Office (WTTO), the Business Development Manager will lead, develop and implement strategies to enhance commercialization of intellectual property created by Western and its partners including, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students and staff. The role will also provide support in matters related to industrial interactions and intellectual property management in the area of the Sciences. The role will establish relationships in order to solicit new innovations for the WTTO, seek out commercialization opportunities and maintain relationships with industry, partners and other stakeholders in order to reinforce and advance the reputation of Western and the WTTO locally, nationally and internationally.
The Business Development Manager will research and evaluate innovation disclosures, develop and manage patent processes, determine commercial potential for innovations, make decisions on technology investments, and develop and execute related marketing plans. The role will negotiate terms and conditions of licenses, research and development agreements, and material transfer and confidentiality agreements. The Business Development Manager will identify opportunities for prototype development funding, and assist with spin-off company creation, including business plan preparation, market research, developing research and development plans with inventors, and strategic planning.