Head of Commercialisation

• Lead the university’s commercialisation activities and be valued for your expertise in Commercialisation and work in a collaborative environment

• Full time, continuing role

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney has an exceptional track record in the commercialising research leading the latest SCOPR results for the number of start-up and spin-out companies, licences and invention disclosures across all of Australia’s universities and research institutes. We are now looking to appoint a Head of Commercialisation (HoC) to lead the translation of research and management of Intellectual Property (IP) at the university.

As the HoC you will have experience leading diverse teams and working in collaboration across multiple stakeholders, with the skills to build trusted and meaningful alliances with a range of parties. This is a significant leadership role, as such you will need to be able to operate strategically, and to use your highly developed relationship management skills to implement innovative approaches and ways of thinking to further build our commercialisation pipeline. You will have had substantial experience in commercialising research and managing IP within a complex and multifaceted organisation.

The role requires a high level of engagement with the research community across all faculties and schools at the University, and with external partners and stakeholders. Strategic thinking, teamwork, and a proactive approach are required to initiate and develop internal and external relationships, build communities, identify and respond to opportunities, and drive a ‘can do will do’ culture.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide exceptional mentoring and leadership to the Commercialisation Team within DVC Research

• develop and execute strategies that protect and commercialise research intellectual property (IP)

• oversee negotiation and execution of licences, IP assignments, research agreements and term sheets

• manage relationships with key internal and external senior stakeholders across the University

• create an entrepreneurial research community environment that enables growth and sustainability

• build, maintain and manage the University Intellectual Property Portfolio

• maintain and enhance the University’s reputation in key industry, government, and investment bodies

• contribute to building and modelling a collaborative and service focused organisational culture

About you

• tertiary qualifications in either Engineering, Medicine, Law or Science (PhD is highly desirable)

• demonstrated experience in a senior leadership position, managing a high-performing team

• proven success in the supervision, training, mentoring and performance management of staff

• extensive understanding of intellectual property principles, frameworks and expertise in the negotiation of commercial contracts including licence agreements

• proven experience in leading critical commercialisation projects in a large complex organisation

• proven experience at managing relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders

• strong business acumen and excellent ability to think strategically, anticipate trends and provide high level advice to university executives on research commercialisation strategies, policies, programs.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Rachel Strong, Recruitment Operations, on 02 8627 7612 or by email to [email protected]

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Applications Close

Tuesday 10 May 2022 11:59 PM