At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the University’s IP and Commercialisation team to drive innovation and maximise intellectual property.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of leave, flexible working, and a free gym membership.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on university innovation and commercialisation strategies.
- Qualifications: Honours degree in Business or Science/Technology and significant experience in commercialisation.
The predicted salary is between 59966 - 67468 £ per year.
Job Purpose
To lead the operational effectiveness of the University’s Commercialisation and IP team, ensuring the successful delivery of the University Innovation Strategy. The role exists to identify, protect, and maximise the use of IP generated across all four Colleges by establishing a fit‑for‑purpose operating model. It is responsible for overseeing the team, managing service delivery, and creating strong alignment with Colleges and related services to provide an efficient, accessible, and effective commercialisation service for staff.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Operationalise the University’s IP and Commercialisation strategy, working with VP and Director of TTO to shape and design the service, reviewing and updating the full suite of underlying policies and processes that support effective commercialisation pathways to deliver on our outcomes.
- Lead and shape the development of the underlying infrastructure (systems, people and processes) to ensure effective monitoring and compliance across all our activities. This includes evaluating and implementing new technology platforms and software, undertaking a full review of data governance, input and reporting, record keeping and electronic storage systems.
- Guide and direct the IP&C team, academic staff, investors, entrepreneurs and consultants to develop funding proposals and investment plans for new spin‑out propositions in the range £500k – £50m. Specifically develop new funding routes and investment strategies for SHAPE‑spinouts including social enterprises.
- Regularly monitor the development of new, sector‑leading practices for identifying, evaluating and commercialising University IP.
- Support the negotiation of all legal/IP agreements related to the creation of spin‑out ventures and licensing agreements.
- Strengthen the team’s capability by embedding a structured approach to development, ensuring all team members receive high‑quality training, effective onboarding, and a clear understanding of our policies and strategic relationships with key external stakeholders, including public bodies and funders.
- Work in partnership with the Director of TTO to provide strategic stewardship of the IP&C budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively across Innovation and Economic Development. This includes overseeing financial planning to ensure the Innovation Strategy is delivered within budget, with investment decisions aligned to strategic priorities and optimised to maximise institutional outcomes.
- Provide written and verbal reports to the University and Colleges on IP & Commercialisation activity undertaken University wide and seek approvals in line with institutional process.
- Represent and promote the University in matters relating to IP & Commercialisation, including membership of relevant groups and committees and presenting at external meetings and conferences.
- Establish and build relationships with relevant public and private sector organisations to develop new support mechanisms and funding opportunities for commercialisation of the University’s intellectual property.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Essential- A1: Honours Degree in Business or Science/Technology in addition to a business qualification (HND, MSC or MBA) or significant senior experience in a commercialisation/business development role.
- A2: Knowledge of corporate and investor requirements in relation to university intellectual property commercialisation.
- A3: Knowledge of the pressures, constraints, motivations, aims and risk/reward positions of academic staff, Colleges, the University and external stakeholders.
- A4: Good knowledge of the legal, financial and legislative aspects of commercialisation, including detailed working knowledge of key document types such as due‑diligence, Articles of Association, Shareholder’s Agreements, Licensing Agreements, Research Contracts, confidentiality agreements, consultancy agreements, material transfer agreements and intellectual property protection/management.
- A5: Knowledge of securing public sector funds and mechanisms available to support the commercialisation of University intellectual property for both university projects, spin‑out companies and university/licencee interactions.
- C1: Excellent written, verbal communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- C2: Financial management and budget management skills.
- C3: Ability to plan and manage own activities and to interact effectively with people at all levels within the University, companies and the public sector.
- C4: Ability to manage a broad portfolio of complex commercialisation projects.
- C5: Financial planning skills, demonstrable commercial awareness, market analysis, sales, legal and intellectual property skills across both the life and physical science commercialisation opportunities.
- C6: Relationship building skills with both University academic/senior management and external senior management (corporate/investor/public sector) focusing on developing and supporting initiatives and deals for University IP commercialisation.
- E1: Significant experience of leading the commercialisation of intellectual property generated from university research via spin‑out company creation and licensing, including demonstrable experience of successful venture creation and licensing as well as technology incubation programmes to mature opportunities to be relevant for target industry sectors.
- E2: Experience of working through the internal and external pressures (e.g. Government; Research Funders; etc) within the UK university environment related to intellectual property commercialisation and IMPACT from research.
- E3: Some experience in leading the complex process of commercialisation of university generated intellectual property via both spin‑out company creation and licensing. Demonstrable examples of company creation and licensing.
- E4: Experience in preparing and negotiating terms sheets, legal and financial agreements related to spin‑out company creation and licensing deals, including experience of working with/instructing external lawyers and advisors.
- E5: Demonstrable experience of working with academic staff, patent agents and advisors on the evaluation, preparation and prosecution of patent applications, determining inventors, freedom to operate and scope, and resolving joint invention disputes and revenue‑share terms.
- E6: Experience of attending/contributing to spin‑out company Board meetings and working with early‑stage spin‑out venture teams to develop/grow their business, including reporting activity to R&E Steering Group and Colleges.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 9, £59,966 - £67,468 per annum. This post is full time (35 hours per week) and is open ended. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
- An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension handbook, benefits and discount packages.
- A flexible approach to working.
- A commitment to support your health and well‑being, including a free 6‑month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under‑represented within the University. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University. We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too.
Head of IP&C - OperationsNew in Glasgow employer: University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With generous benefits including 41 days of leave, a commitment to health and wellness, and a focus on equality and diversity, this role as Head of IP&C – Operations provides a unique opportunity to lead innovative commercialisation strategies in a supportive environment, all while being part of a prestigious institution located in the heart of Glasgow.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IP&C - OperationsNew in Glasgow
✨Leverage Innovation Hubs
Tap into local innovation hubs and research centres. These places often host events and workshops where you can meet like-minded people and industry leaders. Plus, they might have job openings that aren't widely advertised, so keep your ears open!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Turn your past innovation projects into compelling stories. Create a portfolio showcasing your creativity and problem-solving skills. This can give hiring managers a real flavour of what you can bring to the table at companies like University of Glasgow.
✨Connect at Industry Conferences
Make it a point to attend industry conferences and seminars focused on R&D and innovation management. These events are fantastic for networking and often have job boards or career fairs where you can connect directly with firms looking for talent.
✨Use Your University’s Resources
If you're fresh out of university, don't forget to tap into your institution's career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies seeking new talent in R&D, especially for full-time roles. It's a good shortcut to landing a gig at places like University of Glasgow.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IP&C - OperationsNew in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Creative Thinking:In innovation and R&D management, it's all about thinking outside the box. Make sure your CV highlights any projects or experiences that showcase your creative problem-solving skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've developed and implemented innovative ideas in previous roles.
Tailor Your Experience to R&D:When you're crafting your CV, focus on your experience in research and development. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, including methodologies used and results achieved. This will show us at University of Glasgow that you understand the R&D process and can contribute meaningfully to our projects.
Let Your Passion Shine in the Cover Letter:For a full-time role like this, your cover letter should reflect your genuine passion for innovation and development. Share your excitement about the opportunity to work at University of Glasgow and touch on how your goals align with our mission. This helps us see your motivation for wanting to join our team!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in R&D! Whenever possible, quantify your achievements in your CV. Whether it’s a percentage improvement in project outcomes, the budget size you’ve managed, or the number of successful products you've launched, these figures will help paint a clearer picture of your impact and capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Glasgow
✨Show Off Your Innovative Thinking
In an Innovation R&D Management role at University of Glasgow, they're going to want to see how you approach problem-solving. Be ready to discuss previous projects where you introduced a new idea or process. Highlight your ability to think outside the box and provide examples where your innovations drove significant results.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Technologies
Make sure you're clued up on the latest tools and technologies related to innovation management, such as project management software and data analysis platforms. Being able to discuss specific tools you’ve used or have experience with will show University of Glasgow that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, emphasising your teamwork skills will be essential. In innovation, collaboration often sparks the best ideas, so be ready to talk about how you've worked effectively within cross-functional teams in your past roles. Have concrete examples at the ready!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions in your interview that reflect real challenges you might face in the role. £At University of Glasgow, they might want to see how you handle tight deadlines or manage conflicting ideas within a team. Prepare some responses that demonstrate your critical thinking and decisiveness in high-pressure situations.
