Job Purpose

The Director of Technology Transfer Office (TTO) will lead and develop a professional team to support the delivery of the University of Glasgow's strategic goals for Innovation and Economic Development.

This role involves:

• Working closely with innovation and economic development team, professional services and academics across all four colleges to ensure that the IP generated from our research is identified, protected and disseminated.

• Pipeline development and management of our portfolios of patents, licenses and spinout companies which generate demonstrable impact through economic and social activities in line with the University’s Innovation Strategy.

• Providing expert authoritative advice across the University community on Intellectual Property and Commercialisation and ensure effective leadership of the IP & Commercialisation team.

This role reports to the Vice Principal of Innovation and Economic Development.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership:

-         To develop and lead the University’s IP and Commercialisation strategies which support the University’s Innovation Delivery Plan.

-         To support the academic endeavour on commercialisation and to support the Vice Principal in reviewing our internal policies and processes to create an enabling environment. Build networks of academic staff, entrepreneurs, investors, companies and public sector agencies to deliver a consistent stream of new spinout companies. Identify and execute partnerships for licensing our IP and developing a consistent income stream.

-         Represent the University in matters relating to IP & commercialisation, including membership of relevant groups and committees and presentations at appropriate meetings and conferences. Provide expert input on University Innovation, IP & Commercialisation policies, national innovation policy and related developments.

2. Team Leadership:

-         Provide leadership of the IP & Commercialisation Team to deliver their duties and responsibilities effectively, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities to team members.

-         Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the University.

-         Create an inclusive, empowered, and motivated work environment, which supports professional development and talent retention. Mentor and support team members, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

-         Serve as the primary liaison between the University and external stakeholders relating to IP & Commercialisation, including industry partners, government agencies, and venture capitalists.

-         Develop, engage and implement internal initiatives to encourage / support academic participation in IP and commercialisation in accordance with the goals of the Innovation Strategy.

4. IP Management:

-         Manage the relationship with the University patent agents and the University process for protecting inventions and managing risks.

5. Commercialisation and Licensing:

-         To lead on the development of new, sector-leading practices for identifying, evaluating and commercialisation of the University’s IP. Build a professional team to manage the various activities set out in the strategies.

-         Lead the negotiation of all legal/IP agreements related to the creation of spin-out ventures and licensing agreements.

-         Lead the identification of market/sector opportunities for University research, technology and create pathways for licensing, partnerships or spinouts.

6. Funding:

-         Work with relevant public and private organisation to develop new support mechanisms and funding opportunities for commercialisation of the University’s intellectual property.

-         Responsible for identifying opportunities, and supporting development of applications / bids for ventures to access appropriate internal/external funding as required

7. Training & Education:

-         Provide expert advice and guidance to drive best practice to maximise the IP and Commercialisation of University research. For example, working with colleagues to identify and develop innovation cluster or thematic proposition, or working with external organisation to identify service provision.

-         Working in collaboration with Head of Innovation and Enterprise Program Development, provide strategic input, advice and guidance on entrepreneurial training, accelerator and enterprise programs, to support content and delivery of programs.

-         To lead on the promotion of the IP & Commercialisation Policy, to aid understanding and engagement.

8. Compliance & Reporting:

-          To develop and lead on the provision of regular progress reports, analyses and insights to the VP for Innovation and Economic Development Colleges and Senior Management Group, and other key stakeholders, as appropriate.

-         Manage issues, risks, audit and compliance obligations in line with institutional and regulatory frameworks, ensuring consistent and transparent communications to all stakeholders.

9. Service Excellence:

-         To champion continuous improvement in service engagement, operational readiness and service design through clear communication, effective governance, and process optimisation.

10. Other:

-         Deputise for the Vice Principal, as required.

-         To undertake and other reasonable duties in line with the role.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, 10 or 11 (Ordinary Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in a relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional leadership experience in strategically important specialist areas, OR Ability to demonstrate the necessary strategic competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and leadership experience in a similar or number of different specialist roles.

A2 Extensive knowledge of corporate and investor requirements in relation to University intellectual property commercialisation.

A3 Expert knowledge of the legal, financial and legislative aspects of commercialisation.

A4 Knowledge of the challenges, motivations and risk / reward positions of academic staff, Schools, Colleges, the University and external stakeholders.

A5 In-depth knowledge of the UK HEI sector’s commercialisation landscape, policy direction and the main external partners who work with the sector (such as Scottish Enterprise, Catapults, Accelerators and Innovate UK).

Skills 

Essential:

C1 A tenacious, self-motivated approach and strong willingness to work in a team in an evolving and dynamic work environment.

C2 Excellent verbal and written communication skills, excellent oral and written presentation skills.

C3 Exceptional influencing and negotiation capabilities, with a proven ability to engage, align, and inspire stakeholders across all levels of the University and beyond—both nationally and internationally

C4 Ability to manage a broad portfolio of complex commercialisation projects, with drive and persistence to bring projects to a conclusion.

C5 Ability to build credible and enduring relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, internal and external, with a focus on spotting, nurturing and supporting initiatives and deals for University IP commercialisation.

C6 Maintain high professional standards in delivery of customer & stakeholder needs, with regular quantitative feedback.

C7 Demonstratable ability to effectively balance and manage resource capacity against demand across service support.

C8 Able to lead and inspire a high-performing team, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Experience

Essential: 

E1 Substantial senior experience of leading the commercialisation of intellectual property generated from University research via spin-out company creation and licensing. Includes demonstrable experience of successful venture creation and licensing as well as technology incubation programs to mature opportunities to be relevant for target industry sectors.

E2 Experience of developing and implementing commercialisation plans for opportunities from life sciences and physical sciences, with experience of dealing with companies and investors in these areas.

E3 Experience of leading the negotiation of commercial deals, contracts and licensing agreements with potential partners, investors or stakeholders achieving favourable terms. Including significant experience of working with / instructing external lawyers and advisors.

E4 Significant experience of working with academic staff, patent agents and advisors on the evaluation, preparation and prosecution of patent applications. Evidence of leading and resolving disputes.

E5 Experience of attending and/or contributing to spin-out out company board meetings and working with early stage spin-out ventures to develop/grow their business.

Desirable:

F1 In depth knowledge of the commercialisation/business incubation process outside of the academic sector, bringing external experience to the University’s commercialisation approach.

F2 Experience of working with local and national government and government bodies to shape and inform policy related to support for the commercialisation of University research.

Salary will be on Competitive 

Candidates should apply for this role through our retained advisors NetworkedPeople -  https://www.networkedpeople.com/glasgow-tech-transfer/

Closing Date: 6 October 2025 at 23:45