Director, Research Partnerships: Innovate Calgary
Director, Research Partnerships
Innovate Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Overview of the Company
Innovate Calgary was formed in 1989 with the purpose of supporting the University of Calgary (UCalgary) with its innovation needs. Today we are ranked #1 in Canada for startup creation (AUTM 2020 licensing survey), last year producing one-fifth of all registered research-driven startups from Canadian Universities and research hospitals. We help to create economic and societal impact from research, we support UCalgary researchers, as well as inventors, entrepreneurs, and companies in Calgary and beyond.
Innovate Calgary has 4 business groups:
UIQ: We manage innovation-related real estate in the newly created University Innovation Quarter, adjacent to the main campus of UCalgary.
UCeed: Innovate Calgary operates its own investment funds under the UCeed program, investing in research-driven ventures from UCalgary members and partners.
IMPACT: Our clinical trials program targets early-stage ventures, working closely with the Creative Destruction Lab and other partners, nationally and internationally.
Innovation: We operate a vibrant innovation office, managing technology transfer and industry liaison functions, with a focus on energy transformation, social innovation, city building, life sciences, and
digital worlds.
Position Summary
The Director will lead the innovation office and report to the President and CEO.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Provide the strategic direction for partnering for impact, in line with the University of Calgary’s ‘Growth through Focus’ strategy
- Develop business opportunity and commercialization plans for research consortia, inventions and innovations, and startup ventures
- Engage researchers and clinicians regarding entrepreneurship, business development, and intellectual property creation and commercialization
- Be a leader in ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion
- Lead a team of innovation professionals
- Provide general and project management oversight
- Support team members in negotiating terms and conditions of contractual agreements
- Mentor staff and students in all phases of research impact, intellectual property management, and innovation commercialization
Skills and competencies:
The position requires excellent communication, judgement, decision-making, and organizational skills; with the ability to prioritize and monitor multiple competing deadlines and to work with a diverse
constituency of higher education, clinical, government, and business personnel.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Advanced degree from an accredited college or university
- Ten years of leadership experience
- Understanding of scientific and legal principles
- General knowledge of intellectual property laws, finance, accounting, and business practices
- Skilled in drafting and interpreting contracts, agreements, and other legal documents
- Industry experience is an asset
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D./MD
- MBA
Interested applicants are asked to forward their resume and cover letter to hr@innovatecalgary.com.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, we will contact only those persons for whom we need further information or are being considered for an interview.
Application deadline: End of day November 12, 2021
Innovate Calgary is an equal opportunity organization committed to building and fostering a fair and inclusive community that values diversity and encourages respect for all. We welcome applicants across any race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, Indigenous status, or any other legally-protected factors. We recognize the value of identifying and removing barriers for any applicants interested in participating in our programs.