Job: Business developer "end-of-waste"

The mission of Ghent University’s Association’s Industrial Research Fund (IOF) is to market innovative knowledge and technology. In this context, Ghent University is seeking an entrepreneurial and dynamic staff member (m/f) to facilitate the value creation based on our research, a.o. by transfer to external parties. 

Job description

Ghent University is traditionally strong in the domain of Circular Economy for different material groups – in particular in the field of creating value out of organic waste and residues Ghent University is the worldwide pioneer with a broad range of research groups working in these fields. The topic ‘Resource Recovery’ was recently structured under the umbrella of the Ghent University business unit “End-of-Waste” with the aim of investing in the multidisciplinary valorization pathways on waste streams and residues from agriculture, agro-industry, food industry, as well as biological waste(water)streams. Bringing together a multidisciplinary consortium of 32 driven professors and their departments around the processing and recovery of  waste streams and residues of bio-industry will lead to a strong synergetic effect on concept developments and realisations and result in commercialization initiatives at Ghent University. The added value in the field will be maximized. More specifically, the End-of-Waste business unit aims at setting up academic-industrial collaborations in the field of reprocessing organic-biological waste streams and residues into valuable chemicals, energy, materials and products which can be re-used in a range of sectors. The End-of-Waste Business Development unit is opening a vacancy for a business developer. 

You will continue to expand the existing structure consisting of several complementary Ghent University Association business development units aimed at active market introduction and the further development of innovative research results. In particular, you will actively supervise our research transfer efforts and the continued development of our technological expertise through new research-based value creation projects. This in close collaboration with the existing IOF business units in the field of Agro and Food. In addition, you will be expected to promote the business unit’s image within the industrial sector both in Belgium and abroad, track down and actively market new technologies originating from within the consortium, set up large-scale development projects together with the industry, and support and actively coach researchers during the transfer of their research. As a business developer you will be part of a team working on resource recovery with a strong orientation towards the industry.  

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Your tasks will focus on further developing and then transferring new technologies to the industry, in line with the general research transfer goals of Ghent University. The daily tasks are monitored by the business unit’s steering committee and the evaluation is carried out by the IOF board.

Your most important tasks consist of:

  • Identifying new technologies and commercialising innovative research results within the End-of-Waste business unit in close collaboration with the UGent TechTransfer Office. This involves making R&D deals, licensing agreements or facilitating the establishment of spin-offs;  
  • Following up research transfer dossiers, IPR and proof-of-concept projects in order to create optimal value of the technologies;
  • Setting up (research) collaborations with industry and supporting and monitoring industrial research programmes (e.g. via Flanders Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO), the EU, etc.), in particular the setting up of multi-partner projects; 
  • Creating value by stimulating and supporting internal partnerships within the business unit aimed at developing new technology platforms;
  • The internal organisation of the business unit in close collaboration with the coordinator (vision, strategy, project and financial management, …);
  • Raising the profile of the End-of-Waste business unit among researchers and developing an academic network;
  • Raising the profile of the End-of-Waste business unit in the industrial sector, both in Belgium and abroad, also via seminars, workshops, business events, …   

Profile

  • You have thorough insights, knowledge and expertise in the field of the processing and valorisation of wastes and residues from biobased industries;
  • Preferably you hold a doctoral degree; 
  • You have at least 3 years of relevant industrially-oriented work experience in the field of treatment and valorization of biobased waste streams, with respect to at least two of the following aspects: 

- research and technology transfer in general

- intellectual property rights and marketing thereof by concluding licenses

- business development in a business-to-business environment or academy-to-business environment

- R&D and project management  

- establishing multi-partner consortia in the framework of industrial research programmes (European, regional, …)

- establishing spin-offs 

  • You have proven experience in setting up strategic partnerships and are able to translate relevant strategies into road maps with a clear vision and mission for the institution;
  • You have an affinity with both the academic and business sectors and can deal expertly with projects independently and as part of a team while ensuring timely delivery;
  • You have an entrepreneurial mindset, are diplomatic and work in a result- and service-oriented manner;
  • You have solid communication skills at least in Dutch and English, you are an effective mediator, you can properly represent the consortium and are flexible;
  • You have built up a (international) network in the field;
  • Experience or training in the following elements is an asset:

- Experience in project management and the contractual aspects of research projects and research transfer projects;

- Experience in marketing, prospecting for new partners, conducting PR and developing professional networks;

- Experience in establishing and coordinating cross-domain and multidisciplinary structures 

Our offer 

We offer you solid career prospects in the context of a stimulating employment status, which will largely depend on your knowledge and experience. 

This position involves a contractual appointment of indefinite duration. For more information on the business unit, employment regulations, career plans, etc., please visit the Ghent University TechTransfer Office website (www.ugent.be/techtransfer) or use the contact information below. 

Additional information

For more information, please contact the coordinator of the Industrial Research Fund via Ingrid.Merchiers@UGent.be or 09/264.99.51. 

Applications

Please submit your detailed application by no later than Monday February 12th 2018. The mandatory application form can be downloaded at www.ugent.be/techtransfer (news). Once completed, this application form must be sent along with a cover letter to the Chair of the IOF Council, Prof. Herman Van Langenhove via email at Ingrid.Merchiers@UGent.be

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