Director (P5) (Research Development & Support

**Advert reference**: uj_001705
- **Advert status**: Online**Position Summary**

**Industry**:Education & Training

**Job category**:Education and Training

**Campus**:Auckland Park Kingsway Campus

**Contract**:Permanent

**Remuneration**:Market Related

**EE position**:EE

**Level**:Senior

**Introduction**

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development, and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of “Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for societal impact in the context of the changing social, political, and economic fortunes of Africa”.

**Job description**
- The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is responsible for developing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at the University, management, and commercialisation of the university’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio via licensing and creation of start-ups among other activities. The Director of the Technology Transfer Office provides leadership in developing and implementing the university’s innovation and commercialisation strategy in partnership with academic, university companies, and support departments. The Director also plays a leading role in advising and raising awareness of the university student and staff community on intellectual property and technology transfer and representing the university’s interests in technology transfer to external partners and funders.

**Responsibilities**:

- Lead the development, disclosure, and management of the university’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio.
- Incorporate tools and technologies for early and efficient identification of new IP and provide leadership and oversight for such development and collaborate with appropriate organisations. Among others, use advanced IP mining techniques, including artificial intelligence, and an informed data-driven approach for analysis, and identification of opportunities and partners.
- Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with academic departments, research centers, institutes, and the executive management of university-owned companies.
- Develop relevant institutional policies.
- Market the university’s opportunities regionally, nationally, and internationally.
- Develop and strengthen partnerships with industry, entrepreneurs, and investors to commercialise research outputs.
- Lead with management of the Incubation Programme.
- Oversee the development of commercialisation strategies and business plans for UJ opportunities.
- Negotiate IP ownership between researchers, licensees, and other commercial agreements with external parties, UJ-owned companies, and/or entities.
- Raise external funding for the innovation portfolio.

**Minimum requirements**
- A relevant Postgraduate qualification, minimum of a Masters Degree coupled with a technical background in SET (Science Engineering or Technology).
- A minimum of Eight (8) to Ten (10) years’ experience at the Management level
- Demonstrable ability in due diligence, and deal structuring
- Strong project management skills and risk analysis
- The ability to interpret market reports and develop market penetration strategies.
- Appropriate knowledge of IP matters
- Risk management: experience in the identification, assessment, and management of project risks.
- Track record in facilitating innovation and commercialisation/business development.
- Track record in raising funds from public and private sources
- Leadership skills and proven ability to manage teams.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Familiar with the IPR Act of 2008, NIPMO, and compliance requirements for a university’s TTO.

**Competencies and Behavioural Attributes**:

- Professional skills in computer operations, business systems, and tools including Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent written, verbal, listening, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation related to Intellectual Property (IPP).

**Recommendations**:

- A doctoral/PhD qualification will be an added advantage.

**Enquiries**:
**Enquiries regarding the job content**: Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli on Tel: (011) 559 6507

**Enquiries regarding remuneration & benefits**: Mr Innocent Masoka (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 1531

For more information, please review the following link**:Justice/Criminal/NRSO**.