Assistant Director Commercial

We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join us as Assistant Director, Commercial within Research and Innovation Services.

Main Purpose of Job:

Reporting to the Director of Research & Innovation Services (“RIS”), the post provides leadership for central Professional Services supporting the University’s new (2022) “Research with Impact” and “Engagement and Enterprise” Strategies. Overseeing and developing the 2 RIS teams with a commercial remit, the post-holder is accountable for supporting the two Vice-Principals (for Research, and Enterprise and Economic Transformation), the Deans of Schools and others with development and implementation of their relevant strategies for growth of commercial income, across all relevant activity including research, innovation, knowledge exchange and commercialisation.

The opportunity:

• Acting as the accountable senior manager in RIS for commercial support, providing the primary point of contact for the Vice-Principals (Research, and Enterprise and Economic Transformation) and other senior staff such as UEG members and Deans, in relation to all commercial matters, and all contractual matters - involving research, knowledge exchange (including commercialisation), and major economic development initiatives with a strong industry component - and assuring that RIS can provide a comprehensive and effective set of services to help deliver the University’s relevant strategies.
• Acting as the University’s senior lead on major Research & Innovation initiatives involving industrial partners, of which the Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation (“CeTPD”) would be a good example. This will involve leading personally - including building project teams within and beyond RIS - in order successfully to address major initiatives and projects with a strong industry component that will be key indicators of the success of the University’s “Research with Impact” and “Engagement & Enterprise” strategies.
• Deputising for the Director of RIS in relation to relevant parts of his/her portfolio e.g. commercial matters, industry-funded R&D, spin-out company business etc.

The role requires energy and drive to lead major strategic industry initiatives for the University with Research & Innovation elements, including major economic development projects that have a “triple helix” funding model i.e. public sector, industry and University investment. The post-holder is also accountable for ensuring that she/he develops and maintains a high level of intelligence and influence with key external investors (primarily private but also including Scottish Enterprise) and commercial funders such as the R&D divisions of global companies etc.

To apply, please follow the online steps and submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. Please include current salary details and the names and contact details of three referees. Referees will not be approached until the final stages and only with your prior permission.

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