Directorate:The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Grade:Grade 7 (£37,174 - £46,735)
Contract Type:Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (Funding for 1 year)
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday) for all full time staff.
About the Project
The Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) was initially funded by the European Regional Development Fund in 2020 as a consortium of 4 universities. In 2023, it received enhanced funding from Scottish Enterprise until the 30th of June 2026, extending its activities with additional staff at the partner universities, including the University of Dundee.
MDMC supports Scottish companies in the translation of medical device concepts through to small batch commercial prototypes. It provides medical device developers and manufacturers with the advice, technical expertise, and facilities essential for translating medical device concepts to commercial products. The mission of MDMC is to provide expert advice on manufacturing, engineering, sustainability, regulatory issues, and funding, coupled with technically supported access to manufacturing facilities.
Purpose of the Role
The postholder will develop and nurture relationships between the MDMC, medical device manufacturing companies, and funding organisations, in preparation for funding opportunities for the next phase of the MDMC, provisionally called MDMC phase 3. They will assist the MDMC manager and Director with the development of a business plan for the funding of the Centre beyond the 30th of June 2026.
The postholder will work with similar business development officers from the other partner universities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Robert Gordon), as well as other potential stakeholders who could become partners of MDMC phase 3, to develop a business model that satisfies the mission of the 3rd phase of the MDMC.
The postholder will actively promote the Centre to all Scottish companies to generate business for the Centre as of now and UK companies for MDMC phase 3. Travel to the partner universities will be a requirement of this role. At Heriot-Watt, the postholder will work directly with Prof. Duncan Hand (Director), Prof. Marc Desmulliez (Manager), and Karen Allan (Project Manager) and all the other staff at Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Robert Gordon Universities.
A professional manner and attention to detail are vital for the role.
Experience in writing business plans and liaising with potential funders are essential criteria.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
* Engage businesses and others to promote the MDMC to develop a broad network of contacts within industry that supports the MDMC’s strategic objectives and vision for its 3rd phase;
* Identify opportunities relevant to MDMC to develop specific revenue streams from industry;
* Work closely with the business development staff at the other universities to ensure a joined-up approach and consistency among the business development team;
* Develop and run industry-focused events, such as workshops, to gather interest from stakeholders to support/fund MDMC phase 3;
* Monthly reporting to MDMC;
* Quarterly reporting tasks to Marc Desmulliez and Karen Allan;
* Generate and present a short update report at the weekly MDMC team meetings;
* Timely and accurate completion of administrative tasks such as minutes of meetings associated with the role;
* Attend the weekly team meeting and meetings with the executive group, advisory group, and other stakeholders as required;
* Contribute to the preparation of the business plan for MDMC funding beyond the 30th of June 2026, working with the MDMC Manager and Director;
* Be proactive, creating own work/instigating own tasks, rather than responding purely to demand.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* A degree in a relevant area (science/technology or business), or equivalent experience;
* Experience in preparing investor-ready business plans with business goals, vision, and mission;
* Understanding or experience of strategy needed to secure different sources of funding;
* Experience in achieving funding streams from industry or funding agencies through industry-focused workshops, lobbying meetings, or other means;
* Relevant business development experience in MedTech or knowledge of the MedTech landscape;
* Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;
* Ability to work with multiple stakeholders;
* Ability to work undirected and take the initiative in formulating solutions and innovations;
* Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects with competing and tight deadlines;
* Excellent networking skills;
* Proficiency in IT systems, including Microsoft Office and social media.
Desirable
* Ability to conduct or facilitate market research to understand the overall MedTech landscape, trends, and behaviours;
* Experience in manufacturing;
* Relevant experience in a higher education setting related to industrial involvement in academic work;
* Network of contacts in relevant industries;
* Experience of working at the university/industry interface;
* An understanding of, or previous work experience within the HEI sector;
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Sunday 27th April 2025.
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) CV.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated solely on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns, e.g., part-time working and job share options.
#J-18808-Ljbffr