Innovation Manager integrated diagnostics and life science research tools

The lndustrial Research Fund (lOF) of KU Leuven Association acts as a dynamic conduit between strategic basic research, technological innovations and industrial partnerships. Leveraging collaborations with KU Leuven’s research units, the University Hospital, and diverse industry and societal stakeholders, our objective is to expand KU Leuven’s valorization portfolio while enhancing knowledge transfer. Our team comprises over 40 experienced innovation managers who specialize in converting the research teams’ expertise and infrastructure at KU Leuven/UZ Leuven into practical, cutting-edge technological solutions. Each innovation manager has an own focus but can exchange thoughts on strategies and access networks of peers. To initiate, develop and support the valorization strategy in the field of integrated diagnostics and life science research tools (IDiaLiST), the IOF together with Biosensors research group ( of the Dept. of Biosystems is recruiting an Innovation Manager. The Innovation Manager will mainly focus on substantially increasing the valorization output by (i) integration of scientific findings into beyond-present-day diagnostic solutions, (ii) continuous innovation through research, and (iii) creating a flexible program for dealing efficiently with industrial and academic requests from various fields of diagnostics and life science research tools. Functieomschrijving You will manage the innovation/exploitation of the patent portfolio and novel developments in the IDiaLiST program. Additionally, you will introduce IDiaLiST to clients in industry and create a program in which both industry and the research group are strengthened. Finally, you will be responsible for the scouting and acquisition of EU and national projects with a high economic finality. Your responsibilities include:

• Supporting the individual researchers and interdisciplinary teams within the IDiaLiST program to identify the most suitable valorization strategy for applied research results (patent, licensing, spin-offs);
• Supporting the valorization trajectory from research results towards industrial reality. This entails active involvement in writing and shaping patents and licenses, in consultation with LRD, the KU Leuven technology transfer office;
• Managing the valorization and IP portfolio of the IDiaLiST program;
• Identifying new leads for research collaborations and new grant application opportunities;
• Contributing to proposal writing, focusing primarily on the valorization aspects;
• Participating in the development of and collaborating in European/national consortia;
• Managing new and ongoing research projects with a clear valorization track (scientifically, financially, follow-up & reporting), such as Horizon Europe, potentially in collaboration with SOCs (VIB, IMEC);
• Promoting the research and valorization program at conferences, networking meetings and on-site company visits, while further developing the IDiaLiST online presence (website and social media) to create business.

The Innovation Manager will coordinate the valorization program through regular meetings and inform the Management Board of achieved milestones. Profiel

• PhD in bioscience engineering, chemical engineering, biological or biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences or equivalent. Alternatively you have minimum 5 years of experience in applied or strategic basic research in a relevant field, or you have an equivalent experience in industry; 
• Experience with diagnostics and life science research tools, and with the optimization and commercial valorization of thereof; 
• Good technological background and interest in technology development;
• Experience with managing (multi-partner) projects, experience with ideation, development of business opportunity plans and venture creation;
• Preferably work experience in a commercial setting, whether in an industry or with a tech-transfer focus;
• Familiar with European and national applied research funding schemes, and experience in (applying for), amongst others, European projects, regional projects with industry involvement, bilateral cooperation projects, etc.;
• Entrepreneurial mindset and strong communication and negotiation skills;
• Enthusiastic can-do mentality, dedicated team-worker;
• Excellent grant writing skills;
• Fluent in English (both spoken and written). Fluency in Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch is an asset.

You work in Leuven, but you should regularly perform company visits and participate to conferences/workshops and other events in Belgium and abroad. Aanbod Groepsverzekering Individuele hospitalisatieverzekering Leasefiets An exciting and challenging job, focused on continuous innovation and development in a transdisciplinary and international context. We offer a permanent position as Innovation Manager of the Industrial Research Fund (IOF) at KU Leuven, a world famous university.