Senior Innovation Manager

The Senior Innovation Manager (SIM) is a mid-senior position in the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) that focuses the commercialization of University of Calgary research and the promotion of societal impacts in the life and medical sciences space. The SIM position builds on the responsibilities of Innovation Manager (IM), with greater degree of autonomy in terms of managing files, negotiation with potential partners and licensees, as well as participation in more strategic activities. The SIM will be responsible for managing some of the more demanding portfolio components in the Life & Medical Sciences TTO team with a greater degree of autonomy and self-regulation. They will also provide support to the TTO leadership team and participate in the planning of the Life & Medical Sciences TTO team’s activities. The SIM is also expected to be a mentor to more junior colleagues. This SIM will report to the Director, Life & Medical Sciences, Technology Transfer.Key Accountabilities:
Support Innovate Calgary’s mandate of excellence in technology commercializationWork closely with the Commercialization and Disclosure Office at the University of Calgary to ensure faculty members and the University meet their goals and prioritiesIdentify new inventions derived from research executed at the University of Calgary by proactively sourcing leads from recently awarded grants, attending research seminars and events, and maintaining relationships with faculty members, students and post-docsPerform assessments of patentability, market potential, and overall commercial potentialMeet with investigators/researchers as needed to evaluate and define strategy for the commercialization of inventionsDesign and initiate commercialization strategies for each technology in the portfolioDevelop marketing strategies and conduct market analysis for technologies in the portfolioDevelop intellectual property protection strategies and manage ongoing prosecution of intellectual property in a timely and cost-effective mannerIdentify and initiate contact with potential licenseesNegotiate and close license and equity agreements with industry partners and University startup companies with a high degree of autonomy, but in collaboration with TTO leadershipMaintain and efficiently utilize all aspects of a technology and intellectual property project management database for each technology in the portfolioProvide training and mentorship to junior colleagues in the TTOMake recommendations to TTO leadershipParticipating in developmental projects for the TTO in order to improve team performanceParticipate in Innovate Calgary strategic projects which necessitate TTO involvement (UCEED, ElevateIP and the like)Support TTO leadership with ideas for programming and activities to drive TTO metricsSupport UCalgary faculty members with grant writing for IP related grant applicationsDeliver workshops and seminars to UCalgary and external communityAttend and participate in events and panels as an expert in IPAttend Innovate Calgary Office hours at different locations on UCalgary campusOther duties and responsibilities as assignedPersonal Characteristics:
Strong business judgement and market evaluation skillsExceptional analytical abilities with an entrepreneurial mindsetAbility to embrace working in a service organization and the requirement to be responsive and deliver output in a timely mannerAbility to demonstrate initiative and exercise independent judgmentStrong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in an evolving environment with multiple stakeholdersExcellent oral and written skills, specifically in communicating key metrics and data setsKeen attitude and willingness to explore outside of the Senior Innovation Manager’s area of expertiseAbility to work with and organize large volumes of data and manage concurrent projectsOutstanding time management skills and high attention to detailExcellent ability to prioritize projectsSkills & Qualifications:
MSc or Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences discipline ANDMinimum of three years of experience in the field of technology transfer and commercialization, innovation, or related industry experienceOR, An advanced degree in another scientific field ANDSix years of experience in the field of technology transfer and commercialization, innovation, or related industry experience.In addition to the above combinations of education and experience:Demonstrated experience in negotiating and closing large-scale licensing deals and/or research partnership agreements with the ability to exercise tact and diplomacyFamiliarity with CDN and US Patent law and managing a patent portfolioInfluential communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) and client-relationship management skillsExcellent negotiation skills in technology transfer, including an understanding of technology royalty rates, exclusivity, and field of use restrictionsExperience working with University spin-out companies is considered an assetExcellent financial management skills with demonstrated ability to manage projects within budgetary restrictionsThis role is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is considered hybrid. Our hybrid work arrangement required employees to work in the office 3 or more days per week, and from home up to 2 days per week.
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