About the role
The NIHR Intellectual Property Unit provides the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) with expert advice and support on all NIHR related intellectual property, contractual and commercial issues. The Senior Technology Transfer Manager will work across the NIHR portfolio to ensure that NIHR funded intellectual property is identified, managed and translated by researchers to produce impactful outcomes that improve the quality, capacity and capability of health care in the UK and overseas.
A key part of the role will be resolving complex due diligence, monitoring and commercialisation issues that require detailed analysis of technical, contractual, stakeholder and commercial factors. The NIHR is a complex system so the successful candidate will need to be comfortable working in a dynamic network of other members of the IP Unit, colleagues throughout the NIHR system, research teams, IP management specialists in research organisations and commercial partners.
The Senior Technology Transfer Manager will also work on projects that will improve the NIHR’s IP management processes and its integration in to the wider UK health research funding ecosystem.
Key responsibilities
1. Working with the Head of IP and Commercial and other members of the IP Unit to plan and deliver the NIHR IP policy.
2. Supporting NIHR staff members to resolve IP-related queries by running regular IP Open Sessions in Twickenham, Southampton and Leeds where NIHR programme managers can request support and advice.
3. Managing a portfolio of commercialisation cases on behalf of DHSC to maximise return on investment on NIHR-funded IP with a focus on delivering patient benefit and mitigation of state aid. Negotiating return models (including financial and non-financial return mechanisms) for NIHR and preparation of briefing notes for DHSC.
4. Contributing to the development and implementation of robust contractual terms for funding health research.
5. Providing IP training to NIHR programme managers and staff at NIHR-funded organisations.
6. Using the IP Unit’s established project management tools for managing allocated activities.
7. Identifying and implementing improvements to the IP Unit’s processes and systems
..more details in the full Job Description.
What you will bring to the role
Qualifications
8. A good degree in a relevant subject (a relevant professional qualification would be desirable) or comparable professional experience
9. Detailed knowledge of life science research gained from working in a university, NHS Trust, company or charity
10. Expert knowledge of best practice in intellectual property management in the public and private sectors to generate impact from research
11. Understanding of the different organisational goals of universities, NHS Trusts, charities and companies and how these need to be balanced when negotiating with organisations.
12. Knowledge of the regulatory framework for intellectual property management
13. A proven track record in obtaining appropriate legal advice on intellectual property management issues
14. Inquisitive, analytical self-starter who looks for opportunities to implement improvements in to processes and services
15. Confidence in dealing with complex stakeholder relationships involving senior members of staff in national and international organisations
16. An ability to analyse complex commercialisation deals taking qualitative and quantitative factors in to account, including return on investment models
17. An ability to write succinct and informative documents for senior level decision makers providing them with sufficient information for decisions to be made
18. An ability to analyse how specific issues may affect the wider NIHR system
19. An ability to management of complex projects, demonstrating excellent organisational skills and meticulous record keeping
20. Effective planning, organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to manage own time to deliver multiple priorities with demanding deadlines
21. Excellent interpersonal skills and customer focus, including successful senior level external liaison and meeting management to agree mutually acceptable outcomes
22. Effective negotiation skills and an understanding of technology transfer licensing arrangements
23. Willingness to travel to locations across England (including Southampton and Leeds on a weekly basis) to provide support and advice
How to apply
Are you interested in learning more about this exciting position with the NIHR? Please apply directly via our vacancy page.
This role is with NIHR Coordinating Centre (NIHRCC) and is hosted by LGC.