Valorisation Manager Exact and Applied Sciences

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Department: Valorisation Office
Regime Full-time

Let's shape the future - University of Antwerp

In the framework of its Industrial Research Fund (IOF) in support of applied research, the University of Antwerp currently has a full-time position (m/f/x)

IOF Valorisation Manager Exact and Applied Sciences - Department Research, Innovation & Valorisation – Valorisation Office

The Valorisation Office of the Department Research, Innovation & Valorisation, University of Antwerp, is looking for a motivated and skilled full-time Valorisation Manager for the Exact and Applied Sciences to join our dynamic team. The Valorisation Office facilitates cooperation with industry, guarantees the safeguarding and licensing of intellectual property rights and guides the creation of spin-off companies.  Moreover, it supports researchers in maximizing the economic and social impact of their research results and technology.

Job description

As IOF Valorisation Manager Exact and Applied Sciences, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, protecting, and commercialising intellectual property developed at the University of Antwerp. Your core assignment is to bring scientific breakthroughs in the field (mathematics-informatics, physics, chemistry, biology, bioscience engineering, applied engineering and for specific cases also the design sciences) to industrial and societal relevant applications. This position is instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry, fostering innovation, and contributing to societal impact through technology transfer initiatives.

As valorisation manager you are responsible for:

  • Identification, evaluation and follow-up of technological innovations within the field
  • Definition of valorisation and IP strategies of promising technologies and research findings
  • Build-up and maintenance of industrial and scientific network and consortia
  • Guidance of teams that want to start a spin-off company: assist with market analysis, development of business and financial plans, funding opportunities, partner search,…
  • Leading negotiations and formalisation of collaboration agreements with industry

You are responsible for a number of valorisation projects. To prioritize them and bring them to relevant applications, you will actively collaborate with, and be supported by the IP, licensing, legal, venturing and communication experts of the University of Antwerp. You will become a pivotal figure in facilitating cooperation with the business community, including through the relevant Flemish smart specialisation clusters and sector organisations. You also encourage professors to cluster their valorisation trajectories, to increase interdisciplinarity, collaboration and visibility.

In summary, your efforts should be focused on industrial valorisation of innovative research results and technologies aiming to contribute to the IOF-parameters of the University of Antwerp: with the most important being industrial income, income from EU programmes, patents and spin-offs.

Profile and requirements

  • You obtained a doctoral thesis or gained comparable research experience (at least 5 years) in one or more of the relevant disciplines;
  • You are motivated by getting to know new innovations and by being responsible for bringing them into application, as well by meeting new interested companies;
  • You have a broad interest in the relevant fields, rather than wanting to dive into the details of each innovation;
  • You have good time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously;
  • You are a good technical communicator: you have the ability to bridge the gap between researchers and business professionals. You can clearly and compellingly communicate complex technologies to diverse audiences;
  • You can build relationships and trust with researchers, inventors, industry partners, and legal teams;
  • You have a keen insight into the innovation ecosystems in which you will work;
  • You have basic knowledge of technology transfer processes for academic knowledge;
  • You have knowledge of the external research funding types from the private and public sector on regional and national as well as international level;
  • You have experience in reading, strategically interpreting and negotiating cooperation agreements and licensing contracts;
  • You can build up a project portfolio, set the right priorities and timing for its follow-up and the necessary administrative skills;
  • You are a team player with a strong entrepreneurial spirit;
  • You are a coordinator and are able to reconcile the internal and external expectations;
  • You are flexible, customer-friendly, honest, creative, quality-oriented and collaborative;
  • You are a networker and bring a relevant network to the university and the Antwerp University & Colleges Association (AUHA).
  • Preferably you understand and speak Dutch fluently. You have a good oral and written knowledge of English;
  • Relevant work experience in both academic and industrial research is a strong asset.

We offer:

  • A position at the interface of academy and industry
  • An employment contract with the University of Antwerp of initially 1 year, which will be transformed into an employment of indefinite duration upon positive evaluation of the first year and confirmation of the availability of the necessary budget;
  • A full-time gross monthly salary of Valorisation Manager with a salary scale for postdoctoral researcher or lecturer. You can consult the pay scales here ;
  • A dynamic and stimulating environment;
  • Flexible working hours;
  • 40 days of leave per year and closing week between Christmas and New Year;
  • Free commuting by public transport;
  • Possibility of a bicycle allowance;
  • Start date: March 15th or as soon as possible thereafter

Interested?

  • You can apply for this vacancy up to and including February 19th 2025 via the online application platform of the University of Antwerp. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to add the following attachments: (1) a motivation letter and (2) your CV.
  • The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. Once a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. We ask you to take this date into account in your calendar: March 3rd 2025
  • If you have any questions about the online application form, you can consult the Frequently Asked Questions or email jobs@uantwerpen.be.
  • For information about the IOF or the position, please contact Jurgen Joossens (Tel. 03 265 30 25, jurgen.Joossens@uantwerpen.be);

The University of Antwerp is a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and pay attention to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

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