Head of INL Technology Transfer Office (INL-TTO)

Head of INL Technology Transfer Office (INL-TTO)

Job Reference: Ref.12.24.70

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 48 months

Open Date for Applications: December 30th, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: July 16th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #sciencebasedinnovation #intellectualproperty #technologytransfer #entrepreneurship 

Overview

INL was created with the aim of boosting Nanotechnology research and its impact in society, at a regional, Iberian and international level, starting by putting together a world class research infrastructure, attracting top principal investigators (PIs), creating new know-how and intellectual property, collaborating with existing companies as well as stimulating the creation of new spin-off start-ups. INL was conceived to assure world-class research excellence in all its activity areas and to:

• Develop partnerships with the industry and foster the transfer of knowledge into economic value and jobs;
• Train researchers and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce for the nanotechnology industry, through the implementation of joint training programs with universities and RTD centres;
• Attract international companies to the region;
• Boost the regional technology transfer system for local industry.

In order to pursue our strategic goals of innovation, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory is opening a position for the Head of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO).

Candidates must have a track record in intellectual property protection, technology transfer, contracts and licensing experience demonstrated by agreements with the private sector. Experience in the electronics sector is desirable. A successful candidate must have the ability to lead a team with the charter of enhancing and expansion of our technology portfolio, thus successfully positioning INL as a leading innovating facility in nanotechnology. It is essential that the TTO head has decision-making that allows them to unblock crossroads that may be reached both with external entities, but also internally.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Be the main manager of the INL-TTO;
• Represent the INL-TTO;
• Guarantee the implementation of the INL Innovation Policy;
• Design annually the working plan for the sectors and the reports to the INL Innovation Board.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• Graduated in any relevant field.

Experience and Technical Skills

• 10+ years of experience in the global innovation ecosystem;
• 10+ years of experience in RTO-Industry R&D+I and services agreements and management;
• Experience in science-based technology transfer;
• Experience in intellectual property frameworks;
• Experience in fostering entrepreneurship;
• Basic knowledge on the legal constrains of public-private partnership;
• Proven capacity to understand scientific assets and connect those assets with industrial needs;
• Demonstrated strong network of industrial international contacts;
• Fluency in English is a must, as this is the official language at INL.

Other Valued Skills and Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, with a background in Nano/Microelectronics, or other relevant fields;
• Master in Business and Administration (MBA);
• Experience in research organisations and international organisations;
• Experience in a cross-cultural environment.

Personal Skills

• Accomplished interpersonal, decision-making and negotiation skills at high level;
• Excellent ability to define and focus on priorities, ensure follow-up, evaluate progress and monitor implementation;
• Leadership style that is both inclusive (participatory) and directive, with the capacity to lead, inspire and motivate a team in an international environment;
• Ability to innovate and lead changes in the management processes, with a particular focus on the challenges caused by new ways of working, from an organisational perspective;
• Problem solving ability;
• Strong motivation to work both independently and as part of a team in an interdisciplinary environment, with the ability to pay close attention to detail and to meet deadlines;
• Team work spirit;
• Good communication skills;
• Highly organised and dynamic;
• Customer orientation.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary;
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.