For an informal discussion regarding the post, please contact: Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice-President for Research, NUI Galway, Tel: + 353 91 495768, Email:
Further information about the Ignite Technology Transfer Office is available at
National University of Ireland, Galway
Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh
Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway) has a world-class reputation for research, with an annual research budget in excess of €52m. The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at the University is responsible for the management and commercialisation of the resulting intellectual property (IP) portfolio of the university via licensing and creation of start-ups, the establishment and development of value creating relationships with industry, entrepreneurs and the financing community and the development of a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at the University. The TTO at NUI Galway has long been recognised as a best-in-class organisation, leading national metrics in areas such as invention disclosures, number of licenses and number of spin-out companies established.
The Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation provides leadership in crafting and executing the university’s innovation and commercialisation strategy with the support of technology transfer professionals. This appointment is of strategic importance to the university and requires an individual with the ability to combine the leadership and strategic capabilities that are necessary to support the technology transfer, commercialisation and innovation activities of a high performing and established research environment. The role requires an individual with forward-looking vision supporting NUI Galway's mission to contribute to the revitalisation of the Irish economy by seeking to support the translation of research outputs into innovative products, processes and services.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the post of Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation. The appointee will have:
- A minimum of five years relevant experience at a senior management level, with a strong track record in the area of business development, and innovation.
- Excellent leadership skills, with a proven ability to lead and manage high performing teams.
- A track record of successful commercialisation and/or licensing of research and technologies.
- Experience structuring and completing complex business transactions.
- Strong industry knowledge and network of relevant industry contacts.
- Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
The ideal candidate will also have:
- A postgraduate qualification in a relevant area of science, technology and/or business.
- An understanding of the dynamics and culture of a complex organisation and/or a university environment.
- Experience in a start-up environment.
Salary: €106,515 to €136,275 p.a.
€96,064 to €122,848 p.a. (applicable to new entrants post Jan 2011)
In exceptional circumstances the university may appoint a candidate with less than the required five years’ experience at the appropriate salary scale and may consider a part-time (pro rata) appointment.
Closing date for completed applications is 5.00 p.m. (GMT) on Thursday, 3rd July 2014.
It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
For an informal discussion regarding the post, please contact: Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice President for Research, NUI Galway, Tel: + 353 91 495768, Email:
For more information and Application Form please see website:
Garda vetting may apply.
Please note that appointment to posts advertised will be dependent upon the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. Job Title / Department/Section / Current Job HolderDirector of Technology Transfer and Innovation / Technology Transfer Office (TTO) / Open position
2. Role Relationships
The postholder has specific job contact with: -- Vice-President for Research (reporting to).
- Employees of the Technology Transfer Office (leading & managing).
- University Management Team.
- Academic staff involved in industrial collaboration and technology transfer activities.
- Research Institute/Centre Directors and Operations Managers.
- Senior industry personnel licensing technologies from NUI Galway.
- Entrepreneurs.
- Investment and business community.
- Senior staff in the President’s Office, Office of the VP for Research, Research Accounts, Careers and Placement Office, Bursars Office, Registrar’s Office.
- Senior staff in relevant government agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, Industrial Development Agency, Forfas, Science Foundation Ireland etc.
S/He has general contact with: -
- Directors of Technology Transfer from other national and international universities
- Industrial forums
- Business groups
- Academic staff
3. MAIN PURPOSE OF POST:
Background:
NUI Galway’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO), established in 2005, has established itself as a high-impact, performance driven facility, delivering on the University’s strategy for intellectual property (IP) protection and commercialisation and knowledge transfer for economic development.
The TTO’s mission is to be “the partner of choice in knowledge transfer for economic development, pioneering the path to commercialisation for new technologies. Bringing together specialists in knowledge transfer and business development, we partner with investigators and enterprise to translate innovations into practice. We are committed to a creative, solutions-oriented approach to licensing, ventures and research that delivers opportunities to create value.”
Primary job responsibilities:
The primary roles of the Director of the TTO are to:
- Provide leadership, vision, and strategic direction in the areas of technology transfer and innovation across the University and to lead the high-performance team of professionals at the TTO delivering services across the University.
- Build relationships with industry, entrepreneurs, venture capital organisations and other private sector businesses and public sector organisations to economic development in the region and nationally.
- Strategically develop and oversee the operation of the University’s Business Innovation Centre(s), providing an environment for innovation, entrepreneurship and new business growth, supporting ICT, engineering, biomedical, biotechnology and services start-up companies.
4. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide vision and leadership within the University in technology transfer and innovation and oversee planning, management, integration, and implementation of the University’s knowledge transfer and innovation missions.
- Influence internal stakeholders and the senior management in the organisation to ensure agreement with policy and culture change to deliver on the University’s knowledge transfer and innovation strategy.
- Develop and execute policy, procedures and systems to drive technology transfer and innovation, in accordance with the National Intellectual Property Protocol Document and international best practice.
- Provide credible leadership to external industry partners, government agencies and other regional and national business development agencies to ensure support for the University’s technology transfer and innovation activities.
- Lead the technology transfer consortium, Ignite West, with partners Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo and Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
- Build the support services, partnerships with venture capitalists and angel investors and other stakeholders to maximise the commercialisation and employment potential of the University’s research outputs.
- Engage with and influence the regional and national initiatives in relation to the innovation strategy and economic development regionally and nationally.
- Provide the leadership and management necessary to increase the number of licences, new start-up ventures, university-industry collaborations with partners nationally and internationally.
- Manage the identification, evaluation, protection and commercialisation of University technologies.
- Encourage and facilitate the generation of start-up companies and further develop seed funding opportunities for campus companies.
- Lead and manage the team of professionals at the TTO, including ensuring the development of the skills and expertise with changing internal and external needs.
- Develop and maintain a service-oriented operation that is responsive to the needs of the university research community, venture capitalists, industry, state agencies and other external partners.
- Develop and deliver a strategy for the University Innovation Centre and oversee the operation of the centre activity, nurturing an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting and supporting the growth of spin-in companies in NUI Galway’s Innovation Centre.
- Deliver programmes to the faculty, researchers and students to encourage entrepreneurship, commercialisation and start-up company formation.
- Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Research.
5. SPECIAL FEATURES OF JOB:
The candidate will have
- A minimum of five years relevant experience at a senior management level, with a strong track record in the area of business development and innovation.Excellent leadership skills, with a proven ability to lead and manage high performing teams.
- A track record of successful commercialisation and/or licensing of research and technologies.
- Experience structuring and completing complex business transactions.
- Strong industry knowledge and network of relevant industry contacts.
- Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
- A postgraduate qualification in a relevant area of science, technology and/or business.
- An understanding of the dynamics and culture of a complex organisation and/or a university environment.
- Experience in a start-up environment.
Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh
National University of Ireland, Galway
PROFILE OF THE UNIVERSITY
1.Constitution
National University of Ireland, Galway was established in 1845 as Queen’s College, Galway, by Charter under the Queen’s Colleges (Ireland) Act. Under the Irish Universities Act 1908, it became a Constituent College of the National University of Ireland established under that Act, and a new Charter was issued, changing its name to University College, Galway.
Under the Universities Act, 1997, the College (together with the other Constituent Colleges) was reconstituted as a University and its title was changed to National University of Ireland, Galway/Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh. It is at the same time a Constituent University of the National University of Ireland, almost all of whose functions were transferred under the Act to the Constituent Universities.
The legal standing of the University derives from the Irish Universities Act 1908, its Charter issued under that Act, the University College Galway Acts, 1929 and 2006, and the Universities Act 1997. The provisions of these instruments are further developed in Statutes and Regulations, made in accordance with those Acts and Charter.
The University’s general relationships with the State are mainly conducted through the Higher Education Authority.
2.Authorities
The Charter and relevant legislation provide for two authorities, Údarás na hOllscoile (The University Governing Authority) and the Academic Council.
Subject to the provisions of the relevant Acts and Charter, Údarás na hOllscoile is empowered to manage and control all the affairs of the University. Its membership (40) for the three-year period 1 February 2013 – 31 January 2016 is as follows: an external Cathaoirleach (Chairman), the President, the Registrar and Deputy-President, 5 Professors/Personal Professors, 5 other academic staff, 3 other employees, 2 elected officers of the Students’ Union, 1 postgraduate student, 4 graduates, 7 elected by the local authorities of the region, 2 nominees of the NUI, 3 nominees from selected external organisations (including business and industry), the President of St. Angela’s College, Sligo, a member drawn from artistic and cultural interests, and 3 nominees of the Minister for Education and Skills.
Under the Universities Act 1997, the question as to whether the President, or another person (not an employee of the University or a member of Údarás na hOllscoile), is to be Cathaoirleach of Údarás na hOllscoile is a matter for decision by Údarás na hOllscoile at its first meeting and from time to time thereafter.
The Academic Council is the chief academic authority and, subject to review by Údarás na hOllscoile, controls the academic affairs of the University, including the curriculum, instruction and education provided by the University. Its members are the President, the Registrar and Deputy-President, the Deans of Colleges, Heads of Schools, the Professors (including Personal Professors), the other Heads of discipline and other members drawn from the other academic staff grades and the student body, the Librarian, Director of Information Solutions and Services, Director of Lifelong Learning, the Príomhfheidhmeannach of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, the Director of the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching; its present total membership is about 150. The President is entitled to preside at all meetings of the Council.
3.The President
Under the Universities Act, the President is responsible to Údarás na hOllscoile (The University Governing Authority) for the efficient and effective management of the University and for the due performance of his/her functions, and is subject to such policies as may be determined from time to time by it. S/he shall, subject to the Act, manage and direct the University in its academic, administrative, financial, personnel and other activities and for those purposes has such powers as are necessary or expedient.
4.The University Management Team
The University Management Team comprises:
The President
The Registrar and Deputy-President
The Vice-President for Capital Projects
The Vice-President for Innovation and Performance
The Executive Director of Operations
The Bursar
The Secretary/An Rúnaí
The President is the head and chief officer of the University and is appointed for a 10-year period, subject to retirement at 65 (for those already employed in the public sector in Ireland). The Vice-Presidents are initially appointed for a four-year period and are eligible for reappointment for one further four-year term. Acting under the President, the various members of the UMT each have specific policy and line-management responsibilities and functions. These responsibilities and functions are reviewed from time to time.
5.The Academic Management Team
The Academic Management Team comprises:
The President
The Registrar and Deputy-President (Chair)
The Vice-President for Innovation and Performance
The Vice-President for Research
The Vice-President for the Student Experience
Deans of College (5)
Dean of Graduate Studies
Dean of International Affairs
Academic Secretary
6.Strategic Plan 2009-14
In September 2009, following widespread consultation, the University published the NUI Galway Strategic Plan. NUI Galway offers a holistic, educational and cultural experience to its diverse student body. Our University is recognised nationally and internationally for innovation, excellence and leadership in selected and distinctive programmes of teaching, research and scholarship. Our programmes reflect the strengths of the University, national priorities, and the strengths and needs of the region. We have a particular commitment to Gaeltacht regions and the Irish language community. The University seeks to develop and sustain effective strategic partnerships with relevant regional, national and international stakeholders and organisations.
A copy of the Strategic Plan is available online:
7.Colleges and Schools
In 2008, the University re-organised how it conducts its academic affairs and now is grouped into the following five Colleges:-
Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
Business, Public Policy and Law
Engineering and Informatics
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Science
Each College has the right to take into consideration all matters bearing upon the studies within its scope and, subject to review by Údarás na hOllscoile and the Academic Council, is responsible for the transaction of all academic business pertaining to it.
A copy of the structures of the Colleges and Schools is set out after section 21.
8.Academic Programmes
The University provides teaching in those five Colleges, up to PhD level, for primary and postgraduate degrees and for a wide variety of Diplomas and Certificates and, in conjunction with Extern Examiners, conducts examinations and confers awards (under the 1997 Act, all degrees and other qualifications are technically NUI degrees and qualifications, although awarded by the individual Constituent University). 56 separate programmes of study are offered for undergraduate students, and over 150 taught programmes at Postgraduate level and about 140 research programmes.
The University has displayed considerable dynamism in the development of programmes to meet the evolving needs of society.
The University also provides a programme of Lifelong Learning and conducts a number of Summer Schools.
9.Student Body
In the 2012-14 Session, total student enrolment stood at 17,483 (13,946 fulltime, 2,784 part-time, 221 Examination Only, 293 ERASMUS, and 239 Access). Postgraduates accounted for 21% of enrolment (excluding the latter two categories). 56% of enrolment is female. There were 2,257 overseas students (including ERASMUS), from a total of 110 countries.
10.Research
NUI Galway has developed a distinguished reputation for its integrated approach to teaching and research. It has over 1,000 students undertaking postgraduate degrees through research, and had an external research income of over €59 million in 2012.
The overarching objective of NUI Galway’s Strategy for Research and Innovation is that NUI Galway be firmly embedded within the top rank of research universities internationally, in selected prioritised areas. To meet this objective, the University has identified and prioritised a set of cross-disciplinary research themes, building on our research achievements to date, and is focusing its resources and efforts on these themes through targeted recruitment and resource allocation, and the establishment of a number of specialised research institutes and centres.
Our approach to research is guided by the following principles: