Researcher in Education
Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Qatar

Innovation is at the core of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), as it hosts the development of a research and development-focused, dynamic, game-changing entrepreneurial ecosystem and a value-added social structure. This setup promotes creating meaningfully unique solutions for real-life challenges with high commercialization potential under sustainable internal and external collaborations.

As a home-grown, innovation-based, entrepreneurial university, HBKU has tailored a bespoke innovation pipeline to produce cutting-edge technologies in line with Qatar’s national vision. This reinforces and fosters sustainable innovation and an entrepreneurship-based ecosystem through multifaceted education, training, courses, mentorship, and diversified funds for the community.

Office of Innovation and Industrial Relations (OIIR) pioneered this approach and serves the Qatar ecosystem through its innovative strategic initiatives HBKU Innovation Center, HBKU Innovation Funds Office, and HBKU Research and Development Corporation QSTP-LLC. (HBKU R&D Corp.).

Position

The HBKU Office of Innovation and Industrial Relations (OIIR) is seeking to hire a Research Commercialization Manager – ICT. The successful candidate will be responsible for initiating, managing, and overseeing the commercialization of research outcomes through the development and implementation of innovative commercialization models and mechanisms.

Job Role Description

• Create, manage, and monitor University Information and Communication Technology (ICT) focused technology portfolio towards a commercial route to market.
• Lead HBKU R&D Corp. ICT-focused commercialization activities from initiation to completion.
• Perform Innovation Readiness Level (IRL) Assessments regularly to develop systems and processes alongside colleagues, by which projects can be managed efficiently and effectively.
• Identify commercialization opportunities and determine optimal commercialization pathways for the University’s ICT-focused intellectual outcomes.
• Increase the number and/or quality of successful technology and knowledge transfer agreements either via licensing, service agreements, product creation and dissemination, or spin-out company formation in partnership with the relevant OIIR Team.
• Support preparation of internal commercialization strategy documents, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities and use insights to guide and shape commercialization strategies.
• Prepare, review, assess, and manage research commercialization agreements.
• Manage the commercial transactions and ensure compliance with license obligations in collaboration with relevant OIIR Team member(s).
• Participate where required in university-wide communications events to increase awareness, interest in, and demand for research commercialization, including staff development.
• Drive standardization and continuous improvement of commercialization activities.
• Produce appropriate real-time reports and data analyses.
• Represent the OIIR on appropriate groups, committees, or bodies that may be constituted from time to time.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with HBKU members.
• Identify and promote external funding opportunities for commercialization activities in collaboration with relevant OIIR Team member(s).
• Facilitate and develop commercialization partnerships with key national, regional, and international industries, government, and research entities.
• Provide advice and guidance to OIIR ED on research activities that are potential external investment or commercialization opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, University policies, and procedures in respect of intellectual property, patents, licensing, and commercialization activities.
• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in law, business, economics, or relevant engineering and 8-10 years of relevant full-time work experience, 3- of which at a supervisory level. A postgraduate degree is an advantage.
• Extensive experience in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) focused idea/product/technology commercialization, business development, and technology & knowledge transfer.
• Strong knowledge and experience in innovation ecosystem within and beyond Academia.
• In-depth knowledge of market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and industry trends ICT sector.
• Excellent knowledge of funding and investment processes for new technologies.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing ICT-focused research or technologies to market.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to develop and maintain effective business relationships.
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to draft and edit a variety of written reports and communications and to articulate ideas clearly and concisely; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.

How to Apply

To apply, please follow this link
Additional documents may be solicited from short-listed candidates.

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Remuneration

HBKU offers an attractive compensation package that includes a tax-free salary and additional benefits such as an accommodation allowance, annual paid leave, and medical insurance.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. We are committed to maintaining culturally and academically diverse staff of the highest caliber.