The University of Coimbra has an open call for one PhD-holding position Head of Tech Transfer (TT) & Financial Sustainability Office of the Center of Excellence currently being implemented under “GeneT – The Gene Therapy Center of Excellence”. The GeneT, located in Coimbra, results from a funded project between the University of Coimbra, Portugal, the University of Sheffield (UK), and University Eastern Finland, funded by the European Union within the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence action (DOI: 10.3030/101059981)
The Gene Therapy Center of Excellence - the GeneT - acts as an (inter)national enabler of Gene Therapy research, innovation, manufacturing, and clinical trials located in the Center Region of Portugal, in Coimbra. Within the scope of the European Commission’s Teaming for Excellence action, GeneT has an ambitious 6-year plan to develop its research and innovation activities, Viral-vectors Production, and Clinical trials, with a long-term sustainable strategy.
Scientific Area
Gene Therapy
Objectives & Responsibilities
The Technology Transfer & Financial Sustainability Officer at GeneT, University of Coimbra, will be responsible for:
* Identify, evaluate, and protect intellectual property arising from research activities.
* Develop and implement strategies to promote commercialization of research findings.
* Support researchers in patent applications, licensing agreements, and spin-off creation.
* Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within GeneT.
* Identify and secure funding from public and private sources, including grants, sponsorships, and industry collaborations.
* Develop financial strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of GeneT’s research and innovation activities.
* Manage financial resources effectively to optimize the institute’s operations and strategic goals.
* Establish and maintain partnerships with industry, investors, and policymakers to drive innovation.
* Act as a liaison between researchers and external stakeholders to facilitate knowledge transfer and commercialization opportunities.
* Represent GeneT in national and international forums related to technology transfer and financial sustainability.
* Ensure compliance with intellectual property, technology transfer, and financial regulations.
* Develop and implement policies and best practices for research commercialization and funding management.
* Monitor regulatory and market trends to align GeneT’s strategies with evolving opportunities and challenges.
* Promote GeneT’s technology transfer and innovation activities through targeted communication strategies.
* Organize networking events, workshops, and training programs to engage researchers and external partners.
* Disseminate success stories and impact reports to demonstrate GeneT’s contributions to research and innovation.
Skills & Qualifications
* PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Innovation Management, Information and Communication Sciences, or scientific related areas)
* Expertise in technology transfer, research commercialization, intellectual property management and innovation ecosystems. Experience working in technology transfer offices, research institutions, or industry R&D sectors.
* Solid understanding of funding mechanisms, financial planning, and sustainability strategies.
* Experience in policy advisory, international cooperation, and strategic project leadership in governmental, academic, and R&D settings
* Strong grasp of European and national funding instruments, financial planning, and public procurement frameworks
* Solid project management, communication, and organizational skills
* Effective communicator with negotiation skills and experience engaging diverse stakeholders
* Strategic mindset with ability to identify opportunities and develop cross-sector partnerships
* Leadership and team coordination experience
* Fluent in Portuguese; proficient in English and French, both written and spoken.
Benefits
The successful candidate will be hired by the University of Coimbra under a four years full-time work contract, with the possibility of an open tenure track position upon external evaluation.
Selection methods
The selection includes Curricular Evaluation (CE; 60%) and Interview (I; 40%)
Selection criteria
The Curricular Evaluation (CE) will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula CE = 80%CV + 20%ML, where
CV: Curriculum Vitae (detailing relevant academic and professional experience, outputs/list of previous initiatives; career path; leadership and other relevant experience, achievements and skills related to the functions and suitability of the candidate’s Profile for the Position of Technology Transfer & Financial Sustainability officer and for the mission of GeneT) [80%]
ML: Motivation letter (Motivation, relevant competencies and skills for the position, and alignment with GeneT’s goals) [20%]
The Interview (I), to which only candidates scoring above the 50 % threshold in the CE evaluation will be invited, will consider the following criteria weighted according to the formula
I = 80%GT + 20%MI, where
GT: Demonstrable knowledge and competencies in Technology Transfer & Financial Sustainability [80%]
MIC: Motivation and interest for the position, and communication skills [20%]
Selection Panel:
* Cláudia Cavadas (University of Coimbra/GeneT/CIBB) - President
* Luís Pereira de Almeida (University of Coimbra/GeneT)
* Vesa Turkki (University East Finland, Finland)
* Mimoun Azzouz (University of Sheffield, UK)
* Elsa Henriques (University of Coimbra/GeneT/CIBB)
How to apply:
Applications should be submitted toGeneT.applications@uc.pt, written in English, with the identification applicant’s “First and Last Name” until the 6th May 2025, and include the following documents and information:
a) Motivation letter, where the candidate should explain his/her motivation, the knowledge and the relevant competencies for the position in question and for GeneT mission;
b) Detailed Curriculum vitae including a brief synopsis of the career path and relevant experience and achievements for the position, such a list of key projects, activities or accomplishments related to technology transfer, innovation management, or financial sustainability, leadership and supervision experience, and other relevant information relevant for the Position of head of the Technology Transfer & Financial Sustainability office and for the mission of GeneT.
c) Full name and email of three professional references.
Where to apply
Email:GeneT.applications@uc.pt
About us
GeneT integrates CiBB that includes the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC-UC) and the Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR). CiBB is located at the University of Coimbra (UC) and is an Associate Laboratory, a status of excellence granted by the Portuguese National Science & Technology funding agency (FCT). CiBB, with around 320 researchers, fosters high-level and vibrant biomedical and biotechnology research, featuring a strategic research line on Innovative Therapies with a core research group devoted to Vectors, Gene and Cell Therapies, from which the project GeneT has spawned. GeneT research groups will benefit from CIBB state-of-the-art research infrastructures (i.e. animal facility, advanced microscopy, viral vector production unit, etc), professional support offices (i.e Pre- and Post-award Grant offices, Technology Transfer office, Science Communication, etc), Clinical Trial Unit, and administrative support.
The GeneT is committed to diversity and supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age, or sexual identity.
Beyond the academic realm, the city of Coimbra offers an exceptional quality of life. Nestled amidst breath-taking landscapes and steeped in history (UC is World Heritage), it is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, a very affordable European city, safe and with an inviting atmosphere to live, work and raise a family, with excellent weather all year round and a 45-minute drive to the beach.
Website for additional job details: https://www.uc.pt/en/genet/genet-events/recruitment-genet_headttfsustainability/
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