Innovation Development Executive (School of Physics & Astronomy) – Maternity Leave Cover
EI Grade 8
£48,896 - £59,300
Edinburgh Innovations Ltd (EI)
Based at King’s Buildings Campus
Fixed Term (maternity leave cover) - Full time, 35 Hours per week
Edinburgh Innovations (EI) is looking for a driven and proven professional to join the Innovation Development & Licencing team for the School of Physics & Astronomy. The School of Physics & Astronomy was ranked 4th in the UK and 1st in Scotland in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. We are looking for a motivated and proactive individual to build on this success by driving industry knowledge exchange and commercialisation activities for the School, as part of the wider College of Science & Engineering BD team. Associated with five Nobel Prize winners, the School of Physics has a proven record of excellence that you will represent.
The Opportunity:
Edinburgh Innovations is a wholly-owned subsidiary company of the University of Edinburgh, responsible for pre-award research support services, management of technology transfer activities, consultancy services, and company formation. As part of the EI Innovation Development & Licencing team, you will be responsible for leading and supporting commercial activity at one the UK’s highest ranked research Schools. The key priorities in this role will be to engage with industrial partners, early career researchers and renowned experts in their field.
You will provide essential innovation development engagement for academic staff in the School of Physics & Astronomy. This post will focus on supporting researchers within the School’s Soft Matter and Biological Physics Group and the Edinburgh Complex Fluids Partnership. The role will be required to provide cover for all parts of the School when needed, for example, during your colleague’s annual leave. A background in a relevant scientific discipline, and experience within business development in the industry-university sector, would be advantageous. This is a varied and rewarding role requiring a motivated professional with proven experience in business development, industrial engagement, identifying funding opportunities, contractual negotiation, and relationship management.
Your skills and attributes for success:
1. Educated to PhD level or holds a good degree in a relevant scientific area
2. Innovation Development and commercial experience
3. Knowledge and experience of intellectual property protection and exploitation
4. Proven track record in proactive opportunity generation leading to increased revenue
5. Experienced in reviewing / negotiating contracts and managing projects to deliver commercial and translational end points
6. Demonstrable account and client relationship management experience, including working with partners to jointly deliver customer services
7. Highly developed communication skills, both written and verbal
8. Excellent influencing skills and demonstrable ability to successfully network with both academia and industry