Business Developer in Space Sustainability (599418)

Term: Fixed (12 months)

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde is one of the largest and most successful engineering faculties in the UK, and the largest in Scotland. As a leading international technological university, Strathclyde is recognised for its world class research, knowledge exchange and educational programs. At the heart of this is the Faculty of Engineering which boasts a growing research portfolio of over £85 million.

The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering is the birthplace of modern engineering education, informing the technology leaders of today and tomorrow since 1800. Our mission is to advance knowledge and commerce in mechanical and aerospace engineering and apply fresh thinking to the challenges faced by industry and society.

The Aerospace Centre of Excellence in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering seeks to appoint a Business Developer in Space Sustainability to work on and develop new projects supported by the European, UK Space Agencies (ESA and UKSA) and other public and private funders, in the area of space environment management and space sustainability. The successful candidate will work in particular on AI technologies for space traffic management within the Aerospace Centre of Excellence.

You will play a lead role in the development of a new International Institute on AI for Space Safety and Sustainability. The Institute will have a decentralised structure across multiple institutions in different countries. It is the role of the Business Developer to support the coordination of the work of the core institutions forming the institute. The Institute will be supported by a balanced portfolio of public funding and private investments. It is the role of the Business Developer to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the institute by attracting funding and establishing mechanisms and initiatives that ensure the growth of the institute and benefit all its member. The Institute will offer training and attract new talents in the UK and allow international partners to establish a presence in the UK for the development and exploitation of the technologies of interest. The Business Developer will devise mechanisms for business incubation and skill development to benefit the UK space sector and facilitate the exploitation of AI technologies.

We are looking for someone with considerable experience of business development/fundraising. You will be able to lead the development of complex bids involving multiple partners from across academia, industry, government and civil society and demonstrable experience and understanding of submitting successful proposals to public funders and attract private investments. They will also have the ability to develop networks of contacts and relationships across these key groups of stakeholders. The post holder will have oversight of identifying new business opportunities that align with the ambitions of the Aerospace Centre of Excellence and the Space Cluster and to strategically build out its research and knowledge exchange portfolio and will lead activities that embed business development best practice and enhance fundraising capabilities within the Institute. You will have experience in one or more of the following areas: establishment and management of institute or centres, successful creation of spin-offs or start-ups, securing and/or managing funded projects, engagement with public and private bodies.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Massimiliano Vasile massimiliano.vasile@strath.ac.uk.

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