**Please note that this vacancy is open to current University of Glasgow employees only**

Job Purpose

To lead the operational effectiveness of the University’s Commercialisation and IP team, ensuring the successful delivery of the University Innovation Strategy. The role exists to identify, protect, and maximise the use of IP generated across all four Colleges by establishing a fit‑for‑purpose operating model. It is responsible for overseeing the team, managing service delivery, and creating strong alignment with Colleges and related services to provide an efficient, accessible, and effective commercialisation service for staff.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Operationalise the University’s IP and Commercialisation strategy, working with VP and Director of TTO to shape and design the service, reviewing and updating the full suite of underlying policies and processes that support effective commercialisation pathways to deliver on our outcomes*.*

2. Lead and shape the development of the underlying infrastructure (systems, people and processes) to ensure effective monitoring and compliance across all our activities. This includes evaluating and implementing new technology platforms and software, undertaking a full review of data governance, input and reporting, record keeping and electronic storage systems.

3. Guide and direct the IP&C team, academic staff, investors, entrepreneurs and consultants to develop funding proposals and investment plans for new spin-out propositions in a range of £500k - £50m. Specifically develop new funding routes and investment strategies for SHAPE- spinouts including social enterprises.

4. To regularly monitor the development of new, sector-leading practices for identifying, evaluating and commercialisation of University IP.

5. Support the negotiation of all legal/IP agreements related to the creation of spin-out ventures and licensing agreements. Strengthen the team’s capability by embedding a structured approach to development, ensuring all team members receive high‑quality training, effective onboarding, and a clear understanding of our policies and strategic relationships with key external stakeholders, including public bodies and funders.

6. Work in partnership with the Director of TTO to provide strategic stewardship of the IP&C budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively across Innovation and Economic Development. This includes overseeing financial planning to ensure the Innovation Strategy is delivered within budget, with investment decisions aligned to strategic priorities and optimised to maximise institutional outcomes.

7. Provide written and verbal reports to the University and Colleges on IP & Commercialisation activity undertaken University wide and seek approvals in line with institutional process.

8. Represent and promote the University in matters relating to IP & Commercialisation, including membership of relevant groups and committees and presenting at external  meetings and conferences.

9. Establish and build relationships with relevant public and private sector organisations to develop new support mechanisms and funding opportunities for commercialisation of the University’s Intellectual property.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Honours Degree in Business or Science/Technology in addition to a business qualification (HND, MSC or MBA ) or significant senior experience in a commercialisation/business development  role.

A2 Knowledge of corporate and investor requirements in relation to university intellectual property commercialisation.

A3 Knowledge of the pressures, constraints, motivations, aims and risk/reward positions of academic staff, Colleges, the University and external stakeholders.

A4 Good knowledge of the legal, financial and legislative aspects of commercialisation. This to include a detailed working knowledge of key document-types, including due-diligence, Articles of Association, Shareholder’s Agreements, Licensing Agreements, Research Contracts, confidentiality agreements, consultancy agreements, material transfer agreements and intellectual property protection/management.

A5 Knowledge of securing public sector funds and mechanisms available to support the commercialisation of University intellectual property for both university projects, spin-out companies and university/licencee interactions.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent written, verbal communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.

C2 Financial management and budget management skills.

C3 Ability to plan and manage own activities and to interact effectively with people at all levels within the University, companies and the public sector.

C4 Ability to manage a broad portfolio of complex commercialisation projects.

C5 Financial planning skills, demonstrable commercial awareness, market analysis, sales, legal and intellectual property skills across both the life and physical science commercialisation opportunities.

C6 Relationship building skills with both University academic/senior management and external senior management (corporate/investor/public sector) with a focus on developing and supporting initiatives and deals for University IP commercialisation.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Significant 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 working through the internal and external pressures (e.g. Government; Research Funders; etc) within the UK university environment related to intellectual property commercialisation and IMPACT from research.

E3 Some experience in leading the complex process of commercialisation of university generated intellectual property via both spin-out company creation and licensing. Demonstrable examples of company creation and licensing.

E4 Experience in preparing and negotiating terms sheets, legal and financial agreements related to spin- out company creation and licensing deals. Includes experience of working with/instructing external lawyers and advisors.

E5 Demonstrable experience of working with academic staff, patent agents and advisors on the evaluation, preparation and prosecution of patent applications. Includes determining inventors, freedom to operate and scope as well as resolving joint invention disputes and revenue-share terms.

E6 Experience of attending/contributing to spin-out company Board meetings and working with early- stage spin-out venture teams to develop/grow their business. Includes reporting activity to R&E Steering Group and Colleges.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 9, £59,966 - £67,468 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and is open ended.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3. A flexible approach to working.

4. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Vacancy reference number: 192693

Closing date: 24rd February 2026 at 23:45