Technology Deployment Specialist

Technology Deployment Specialist

Position Summary

The Technology Deployment Specialist (TDS) is required to identify suitable partners (industry and others) to drive the deployment of innovative products from the intellectual assets of KAUST researchers.

The TDS is an externally focused role and will be responsible for deploying KAUST technologies to partners culminating in options, licenses and/or assignments of KAUST IP rights.

As part of the Technology Deployment Team, the TDS will work closely with other members of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) to achieve the objectives of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development for the benefit of KAUST and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Major Responsibilities

• Working with colleagues in Discovery team to understand KAUST intellectual assets that can be deployed.

• Work with KAUST Faculty to develop Business Engagement Plans (mind maps) to identify suitable partners interested in KAUST intellectual assets.

• Understand and communicate KAUST intellectual assets effectively to partners to promote deployment of assets.

• Scouting, identifying and developing partners that can use KAUST intellectual assets for the aim of contributing to the generation of impact for the diversification of the Saudi Arabian economy.

• Develop industry intelligence through scouting exercises to understand partner needs and relay this information to Discovery and Development teams with a view of deployment.

• Working with the Head Technology Deployment and Director of Technology Transfer to identify opportunities to establish deep-tech start-up companies and licensing opportunities for existing Saudi Arabian and International corporations.

• Identify new businesses that are interested in spinning-in to have presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and wish to access our academic expertise and IP portfolio.

• Works as part of the multi-disciplinary technology deployment team and provides support to the Head Technology Deployment as required.

Competencies

The individual selected must be able to demonstrate interacting effectively with academic faculty and colleagues in KAUST Innovation as well as effectively communicating with industry partners.

The selected person should demonstrate the following capabilities:

• Strong understanding of the academic research environment

• Excellent networking skills and client engagement skills

• Substantial experience of business development with history of securing deals

• Demonstrated success in more than one industry

• Understanding of intellectual property protection and monetization

• Capable of building strategic working relationships with external partners

• Focused and delivery orientated work ethic

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (internally and externally) with strong partner focus

• Excellent attention to detail

• Ability to meet time sensitive deadlines and work under pressure

• Ability to adapt to a changing environment

• Highly motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Science/Engineering with 10+ years related experience in similar role

Or

• MS degree in Science or Engineering with at least 6 years’ experience in a similar role

• Academic-Industry partnership experience is essential

• PhD qualification is preferred

• Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) preferred but not essential