Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Expert

The Expert will strengthen the EBEAM ERA Chairs project’s strategic research development, external partnerships and innovation capacity by identifying opportunities for collaborative R&D, developing cooperation with research and industrial stakeholders, and supporting the practical application and commercialisation of research results.

The role combines research and innovation development, business development and technology transfer. Working closely with researchers, university technology transfer and patent specialists, and external partners, the Expert will help establish practical procedures for identifying and protecting emerging intellectual property, assessing potential applications, and developing collaborative R&D projects, commissioned research services and commercialisation opportunities. The Expert will also help translate the team’s research capabilities into a clear offer for prospective clients and partners.

Areas of interest include electron-beam material processing and modifications to scanning electron microscopes for in situ experiments. For more details see https://ebeam.vsb.cz.

• A university degree in science, engineering, business, management, social sciences or a related field.

• Relevant professional experience in research and innovation cooperation, technology transfer, technology sales, business development or research management involving external partnerships.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with companies, research organisations or other relevant stakeholders.

• Understanding of research and innovation processes, the role of universities and research organisations in technology development, and how research capabilities and results can be translated into applications, services or commercial opportunities.

• Ability to understand technical information, identify client needs and communicate the value of research and technology to non-specialist audiences.

• Working knowledge of intellectual property protection, confidentiality and the main principles of technology transfer, including when specialist advice is required.

• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation and organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and coordinate activities across researchers, clients and university support units.

• Very good command of English, both written and spoken.

• Experience in leadership or senior management roles in research, higher education or innovation organisations.

• Experience developing research or innovation strategies, institutional partnerships or commercialisation roadmaps.

• Experience preparing technology portfolios, commercial proposals, market assessments or business cases for research-based technologies.

• Familiarity with European research funding programmes, collaborative projects and technology transfer processes.

• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary initiatives or holding leadership roles in research, higher education, innovation or technology-based organisations.

• An established network of relevant industry contacts and experience delivering training on innovation, IP or technology transfer.