Partnerships and Commercialization Coordinator

Updated: 12 days ago
Location: Lethbridge North, ALBERTA
Deadline: 18 Apr 2024

Posting Details
Position Information


Job Title Partnerships and Commercialization Coordinator
About the University
It’s your time to shine!
Work where the world comes to create, discover and learn.
We are one of Canada’s top universities and leading research institutions. With more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, two campuses (Lethbridge and Calgary), seven faculties and schools, and more than 2,500 employees, ULethbridge is Lethbridge’s second largest employer. Faculty and staff come together to contribute, each in their own way, to establishing ULethbridge as Canada’s destination university. In 2022, Lethbridge was recognized as one of Canada’s top small cities.
Position Details
The Office of Research and Innovation Services (ORIS) at the University of Lethbridge invites applications for a Partnerships and Commercialization Coordinator to commence work no later than June 2024. 
ORIS is a central support to the research community at the University of Lethbridge and plays a pivotal role in supporting researchers in their research activity through the development of strategic partnerships with industry.
Reporting to the Director of Research and Innovation Services, the Partnerships and Commercialization Coordinator role focuses on cultivating strategic partnerships, fostering innovation, and driving the commercialization of research outcomes. The coordinator will work closely with researchers, key campus units within the university, industry stakeholders, and government bodies to facilitate collaborative projects, identify funding opportunities, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial ventures, and maximize the impact of research outcomes that benefit the university and the broader community. The coordinator is an integral part of the grant facilitation team, helping to ensure the continued growth and development of research and scholarly activity at the University of Lethbridge, especially with external partners.
The incumbent must have knowledge and skills in the following areas:
1. Strategic Partnership Development:
  • Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with industry, government, and non-profit organizations to foster collaboration and enhance research opportunities.
  • Foster relationships with key stakeholders and facilitate ongoing communication to ensure alignment of objectives and effective collaboration.
  • Act as a liaison between the university and external partners, negotiating and managing partnership agreements.

2. Technology Transfer:
  • Identify and evaluate research outputs with commercial potential, working closely with researchers and industry partners.
  • Facilitate the protection and management of intellectual property through patenting, licensing, and other commercialization mechanisms.
  • Coordinate the technology transfer process, including assessing market viability, conducting due diligence, and negotiating licensing agreements.

3. Commercialization Support:
  • Guide and support researchers in developing commercialization strategies for their research projects.
  • Collaborate with industry partners to identify market needs and opportunities for research commercialization.
  • Assist in developing business plans, marketing strategies, and funding proposals to attract investors and industry partners.

4. Funding and Grant Opportunities:
  • Identify and secure funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and industry partners to support research and commercialization efforts.
  • Assist researchers in preparing grant proposals ensuring compliance with funding guidelines and deadlines.
  • Monitor and report on funding opportunities, keeping the Office of Research and Innovation Services informed of emerging trends and opportunities.

5. Collaboration and Communication:
  • Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, other units within the university, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Organize and facilitate workshops, seminars, and networking events to promote partnership development and technology transfer.
  • Communicate the impact of research outcomes and commercialization success stories to internal and external stakeholders through various channels.
  • Engage and support researchers in developing and implementing knowledge mobilization and transfer plans. Identifying and developing resources and processes to support internal and external stakeholders will be a key component of these responsibilities.

This is an in-person position on the Lethbridge campus. Flexibility for occasional remote work will be considered. The University offers a competitive compensation package with a full range of benefits. Comprehensive information on the institution is available on our website: www.uleth.ca.
The University of Lethbridge is undertaking a job classification and compensation review for Administrative Professional Officer (APO) positions. As such, the salary range currently assigned for this position may be adjusted as a result of this project.
Position Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in business, science, engineering, or a related field (PhD degree is an asset), and three (3) years of experience building collaborative research teams and writing/reviewing grant/contract proposals. The candidate must know the university research environment, policies and procedures, and the Canadian research funding landscape.
  • Strong understanding of intellectual property management, technology transfer, commercialization processes, legal issues, and risk and academic requirements in contract research.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with the research community across all disciplines at the University.
  • Proven experience in partnership development and/or project management, with experience managing and coordinating a high volume of diverse activities under tight deadlines.
  • Knowledge of funding agencies, government programs, and industry trends related to research and commercialization.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and evaluate commercialization opportunities.
  • Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team setting.
  • Comfort with technology and advanced user knowledge of all common Microsoft Office applications and Adobe software are required.
  • Have the desire to grow and advance skills, demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge of the Canadian research landscape is an asset.
  • Membership in the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) is an asset.

Due to the nature of this position, the candidate must possess strong decision-making skills, sound judgement, tact, diplomacy and skills in building relationships with diverse stakeholders. The successful candidate must be willing to relocate to Lethbridge. There is an expectation of occasional travel and working occasional non-standard hours, for instance, to support special events and during grant application submission periods.
A valid unrestricted Class 5 Driver’s License with no more than 6 demerits and submission of a motor vehicle record (driver abstract) dated within 3 months of the posting close is required.
Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $61,413.10 - $77,258.06 annually
Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $61,413.10 - $93,103.02 annually (APO - Grade 3)
Campus Lethbridge
Employment Group APO
Position Category Other

Posting Detail Information


Open Date 03/18/2024
Close Date 04/18/2024
Open Until Filled
Desired Start Date 06/03/2024
Position End Date (if temporary)
Special Instructions to Applicants
Employment Equity
The University of Lethbridge invites applications from all qualified candidates; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.
The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] so that accommodations can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential, only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.