Valorisation Manager for the Faculty of Design Sciences, Antwerp Design Factory

Department: Association
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp  is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time (m/f) Valorisation Manager for the Faculty of Design Sciences. The faculty is active in many domains such as: Cultural Heritage, Product Development, Interior Architecture, Architecture, Urban Development and there are great opportunities for increasing social and industrial impact. For this vacancy, we are specifically looking for a Valorisation Manager within the domain of the Antwerp Design Factory , where pre-incubation and innovation are paramount.

 Position

• Your activities as a valorisation manager are aimed at the socio-economic valorisation of research results from the Antwerp Design Factory and related innovation activities. You will focus on collaborations with industry, European projects, building a patent portfolio and setting up spin-offs.
• As a valorisation manager, you will facilitate the growth of Antwerp Design Factory's valorisation portfolio and related innovation activities by, among other things:
  • Drawing up a valorisation business plan for Antwerp Design Factory and related innovation activities. You will do this in consultation with the Vice-Dean for Valorisation FOW, the Head of the Valorisation Department and the other Valorisation Teams: DRe-use Lab.
  • Identify potentially valorisable research results with the identification of different pathways in order to generate maximum impact at different levels;
  • Promote sustainable cooperation with the business community and organisations, and strengthen the network with private and public sector partners;
  • Participating in networking events to stimulate (inter)national cooperation with stakeholders;
  • To make proactive use of the regional, Flemish and European initiatives in the field of cooperation and valorisation, with particular attention to the socio-economic impact of new research and valorisation opportunities with a focus on aspects such as digitalisation, sustainability, inclusiveness.  Of particular importance are the New European Bauhaus and EIT KIC Culture & Creative Industry.
• You stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration with other faculties/departments/research groups of the University of Antwerp, contribute to the elaboration of the valorisation policy plan of the Faculty of Design Sciences and help build national and international networks;
• You develop and follow up valorisation-oriented road maps and ensure that the applicable regulations and necessary industrial specifications are taken into account from the start.
• You will work closely with the Valorisation Service (TTO), other valorisation managers, the Legal Service and other experts.

Profile

• You are in possession of a master's degree from a programme that provides relevant knowledge related to the position (e.g. Commercial Engineering, Product Development) and have at least 5 years of experience in the field of industrial or social valorisation. Possession of research experience in one of the research domains of the Faculty is considered an additional asset; A doctorate is recommended.
• You have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and have the necessary communication and social skills and experience in contract negotiations;
• You are in touch with both the academic and business sectors;
• Experience in attracting external research from the business world and the government in the field of basic and applied research at both national and international level is recommended;
• Experience with technology transfer processes for academic knowledge is recommended;
• Experience in managing and managing various projects is recommended;
• You are quality-oriented, honest, creative and collaborative;
• Due to the international context of the position, a good active knowledge of English is necessary.

What we offer

• An employment contract of indefinite duration depending on positive evaluations and available budgets. After 1 year, there is a first evaluation.
• 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 at a creative faculty with a lot of hands-on research, at the cradle of many solutions;
• Flexible working hours;
• 40 days of leave per year;
• Free commuting by public transport;
• Possibility of a bicycle allowance;
• The date of commencement of employment: as soon as possible.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy until 25 January 2024 via the University of Antwerp's online application platform. 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, (3) your vision on the Faculty's valorisation policy (max 1000 words).
• The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. Once a decision has been made, we will notify you and inform you about the next steps in the selection process. We ask you to take these dates into account in your calendar: February 2, 2024 in the morning.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, you can consult the Frequently Asked Questions or email [email protected].
• For information about the IOF, please contact Jurgen Joossens (Tel. 03 265 30 25, [email protected]  );
• If you have any questions about the content of the position, please contact the Vice-Dean for Valorisation of the Faculty of Design Sciences ( 0469 15 30 23, [email protected] );

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance 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.