Licensing & Ventures Manager – Social Sciences – 18 month fixed Term
Oxford University Innovation Ltd is the highly successful technology transfer company owned by the University of Oxford, commercialising the research generated by the University. Working with over four thousand of the world’s brightest minds, Oxford University Innovation helps translate ideas and expertise into projects that make a tangible difference to businesses, governments and society through licensing and the formation of spin-out and start-up companies.
Social science commercialisation is an exciting and rapidly growing area that has already created brilliant and innovative start-ups from poverty alleviation and education to marketing. This full time role will work closely with the Social Sciences Division to engage and support academics wishing to take their research in this direction. We are looking for an individual who can focus on creating sustainable social, economic and environmental benefits from the outcomes of the University’s research. You will work with and influence world-leading academics to create positive impact from University research and expertise. The key responsibilities of the role are:
- Growing the portfolio of projects and collaborators from the Social Sciences Division and identifying sustainable commercial and impact-driven strategies to support this portfolio
- Negotiating appropriate licensing contracts, in conjunction with legal experts
- Managing the formation of spin-out and start-up companies and supporting these companies in their early years
- Building a collaborative relationship with the Divisional Office and supporting Research Impact Facilitators in Social Sciences
- Working with colleagues to support engagement activities and events
The ideal candidate will have a Social Sciences or related degree together with a good understanding of research and commercial experience. You may currently be based in the public, private or third sector; you may have sampled life in a start-up environment; or already be working in the technology transfer sector. Knowledge of intellectual property and additional qualifications, for example a PhD or MBA, are advantageous.
The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate proven competence in:
- Grasping new concepts quickly, and translating these into viable proposals
- Working effectively with a wide range of key stakeholders, and where appropriate showing tenacity and persistence in business development situations
- Deploying excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
- Successfully negotiating and licensing commercial contracts with relevant industry sectors
- Working successfully and collaboratively within a close-knit team
- Managing a portfolio of projects within a process-driven environment to successful outcomes
How to apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please download the application form from the Oxford University Innovation website (www.innovation.ox.ac.uk) and send together with a copy of your CV and covering letter to Sarah Barton at innovation@rbasearch.co.uk.
The closing date is midday on Tuesday 16th November 2021
Salary for this role is commensurate with experience and will be in the range of £33,000 – £37,500
Oxford University is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and is empowered to reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and culture. We are accredited with the Investors in People Silver status.
Happy to talk flexible working.
