Head of Technology Transfer

at  AO Foundation

The AO is a medically guided, not-for-profit organization, a global network of surgeons, and the world’s leading education, innovation, and research organization specializing in the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. We are home to people from all over the world, from different backgrounds, with diverse talents and specialist areas. What binds us together is our passion for excellence, our dedication to our mission of improving patient care, and our understanding that we are stronger together: we are one AO.
The AO Innovation Translation Center (AO ITC) streamlines and drives innovation projects. Its activities include the development of clinical solutions with our industrial partner, innovation gathering, proof-of-concept studies, strategic investment in intellectual property, technology, or companies, and evidence creation through clinical research.
AO Innovation Funding supports innovators in navigating every stage of their project. Our team provides essential innovation and project funding, comprehensive support, and a thriving ecosystem that nurtures revolutionary concepts in orthopedics and surgeon education, ensuring that surgeons are equipped to tackle clinical challenges with cutting-edge solutions.
Employment type / Anstellungsverhältnis: Permanent
Workload percentage / Pensum: 100%
Location / Standort:Davos Platz, CH
Experience level / gewünschtes Erfahrungsniveau: Experienced professional
Application language / Bewerbungssprache: English or German

JOB DESCRIPTION

As Head of the AO Technology Transfer you will be responsible to manage the AO’s Innovation Funding with a team of 4 employees. The AO’s Innovation Funding aims to seedfund early-stage ideas, coming from the AO community including the AO research Institute, to a stage where external funding can be attracted or where the results can be applied in the AO activities. Responsibilities include management of the selection of supported projects by the relevant governance bodies, support of the projects with expertise, network access and finding potential partners to valorize the results.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Master in natural science, engineering, or economics-
• Min 10 years of professional experience, out of it min 5 years in Med Tech environment (Development and Marketing).
• Experience in business planning of medical devices.
• Experience in contracting and collaboration with external partners in the field of medical devices.
• Experience in the development process of medical devices including definition of IP, clinical and regulatory strategies.
• Experience in project- and project portfolio management.
• Certain level of experience in the following areas:
• Negotiation of contract terms incl. licensing models, convertible loans or equity
• Innovation funding application processes
• Out-licensing or selling of assets like patents and technologies in MedTech
• Team leadership and stakeholder management in a complex organization.

• Responsible for the preparation of the selection of projects in close collaboration with the AO governance bodies.
• Project selection preparation includes evaluation of business planning, IP strategy, regulatory strategy, technical feasibility, clinical strategy.
• Project Portfolio Management of a portfolio of app. 20 projects including reporting to the AO Executive Committee and the AO Foundation Board.
• Close collaboration with AO units, AO governance bodies and clinical AO expert groups to ensure achievement of project goals and alignment of activities.
• Negotiate collaboration terms and lead contracting with selected project teams/companies and with suppliers.
• Supporting the portfolio projects with expertise, network and selection of the external partners.
• Finding appropriate partners to commercialize projects or support application of project outcomes within the AO organization.
• Manage a team of 4 highly qualified employees.
• Interface to internal and external stakeholders in a complex organization.
• Responsible for the Tech Transfer budget.