Commercialisation and IP Manager

Commercialisation of its research discoveries is a key objective of the University of Reading, as we respond the strategic drive by Government and key funders for universities to realise greater socio-economic benefit for the country and wider world.

The University has an extensive track-record of work with the private sector, and an established and growing intellectual property driven commercialisation pipeline - enabled by close working with the Henley Business Angels. The University is now seeking to significantly increase its capability, capacity and performance for commercialisation and IP activities. The Commercialisation & IP Manager will play a key role leading and developing the Commercialisation & IP Team (comprising staff from across the University), commercial opportunity development, and growing the entrepreneurial culture at the University.

The key aspects of the role fall into the following areas:

• Building a growing pipeline of IP-based commercialisation opportunities across the University.
• Leading the development of, and running, the University’s Commercialisation & IP Team.
• Providing IP and IPR guidance, opportunity identification, analysis, prosecution and portfolio management (working with external patent attorneys and consultants).
• Developing the technology transfer / commercialisation capability, capacity and culture at the University through providing training materials, programmes and collaborations.
• Working closely with academic, business and investor teams in ensuring successful commercialisation of the pipeline of IP based opportunities. Particularly with the Henley Business Angels investor network (created out of Henley Business School, and operationally supported by the University).

Whilst licensing and spinout creation are the principle aims, the ultimate objective is to create maximum value for the University. In this light, areas of value return are much wider than solely direct income generation from, for example, royalties or equity. These include:

• Income from research and innovation projects associated with the commercialisation activity.
• Real partnerships with businesses, funders and investors.
• REF Impact & KEF outputs.
• Reputation enhancement (esp. regarding staff and student recruitment).

Whilst this role’s focus is on the commercialisation of academic staff opportunities, where appropriate, it will also engage with student enterprise activities to ensure these communities can benefit from co-located support and development work.

Informal contact details:                                                                                                 
Contact role: Director – Knowledge Exchange, Commercialisation & Partnerships        
Contact name: Guy Hembury                                                                                           
Contact phone: 01183785892                                                                                          
Contact email: g.a.hembury@reading.ac.uk                                                                    

Alternative informal contact details:
Contact role: Director, Research Services
Contact name: Anne-Marie van Dodeweerd
Contact phone: 01183786756
Contact email: a.vandodeweerd@reading.ac.uk

Closing date: 7 April 2024
Interviews will be held: 18 April 2024

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route.  Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS.  There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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