Job Description

Duties/Pligte

Networking and Marketing

Developing and maintaining relationships with SU's academic and research community to stimulate innovation and intellectual property (IP) awareness. Assisting with the disclosure process and promoting a culture of innovation within the University. Creating and distributing marketing material for SU technologies and Innovus initiatives. Representing SU and giving presentations at conferences and networking events. Coordinating and supporting events to showcase SU innovations and attract external business partners and investors. Maintaining and creating content for Innovus's digital platforms (website, social media, and newsletters).

Evaluation and IP Analysis

Reviewing and assessing technology disclosures for technical merit and commercial potential. Conducting prior art and market research to inform IP strategy and commercialisation prospects. Collaborating with patent attorneys and internal stakeholders on IP filings and protection strategies. Supporting the development of commercialisation pathways (e.g., licensing, partnerships, or spin-out formation).

Commercialisation and Business Development

Identifying potential commercial and industry partners for new technologies. Proactively marketing and selling SU innovations globally. Supporting the structuring and negotiation of licensing agreements and other commercial deals. Liaising with internal teams to monitor ongoing commercial relationships and agreements. Assisting with developing business cases or commercialisation plans for high-potential innovations.

Communication and Strategic Engagement

Working closely with the Deputy Director: Technology Transfer and the broader Innovus team. Contributing to internal reports, dashboards, and documentation on TTO performance and project progress. Engaging with the SU LaunchLab and other partners on entrepreneurial development activities. Contributing to continuous improvement of technology transfer practices at SU.



Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes
Master's degree in a science or engineering discipline. Demonstrated success in technology commercialisation and innovation. An extensive network across various industries. At least two years' working experience in a technology commercialisation setting. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent presentation skills. The ability to translate technical language into marketing material that is easily understood by anyone. The ability to perform due diligence on technology projects to determine commercial viability, competitiveness, applications, customer profile, etc. Excellent organisational and time management skills. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Self-driven, proactive, and flexible. Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. Comfortable working across disciplines and engaging with diverse stakeholders. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and perform well under pressure. Willingness to travel. A valid driver's licence and own transport.



Recommendation/Aanbeveling
The ability to use artificial intelligence tools in an ethical and constructive manner to enhance productivity. Exposure to intellectual property, commercialisation processes, or technology transfer. Familiarity with South Africa's IPR Act (51 of 2008) and/or university IP policies. Experience in a technology sales capacity. Experience working in or with academic or research environments. * Basic project management experience or training.