Technology Transfer Manager

The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), Poland invites applications for the position of Technology Transfer Manager

Are you passionate about knowledge valorization and are you ready to make a meaningful impact by translating IIMCB research discoveries into real-world applications? Are you open to expanding your expertise by engaging in the training-in-residence at the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) in Belgium, our strategic partner? Are you eager to build a dynamic team taking on the challenges of IP protection and technology transfer on an international level? If yes, please apply.

The IIMCB hosts a vibrant, multinational community of scientists and is well connected internationally as exemplified by the composition of the IIMCB's International Advisory Board and the IIMCB's membership in EU-LIFE, an alliance of 15 top European research institutions. The IIMCB is on its way to unprecedented scientific and institutional growth. By expanding to 20 research groups involved in innovative translational projects in RNA biology and cell biology by 2025, we aim to become a unique Polish center where excellent science is combined with professional IPR protection and commercialization. To this end, the IIMCB is establishing institutional support for translating basic science discoveries and research services into commercial applications and clinical innovations. The Technology Transfer Manager will be at the heart of these processes acting as an interface between the IIMCB scientists and potential clients, including clinics and businesses. They will become a core staff of the dedicated technology transfer unit at the IIMCB and will develop an array of activities for effective IIMCB knowledge valorization. The Technology Transfer Manager will benefit from 1.5-year training-in-residence at the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) located in Ghent, Belgium where they will gain expertise in identifying intellectual property with commercialization potential, validating research discoveries, establishing partnerships with industry, and using various knowledge transfer models.

The establishment of a comprehensive system of technology transfer support is a part of the IIMCB’s institutional project entitled “RNA and Cell Biology - from Fundamental Research to Therapies” (RACE) funded in the Teaming for Excellence programme under Horizon Europe.

Key responsibilities:

• Creating an environment at the IIMCB that fosters innovation and entrepreneurial thinking
• Engaging with researchers to inspire and motivate them to think about the relevance of their research to society and the practical application of their discoveries
• Monitoring the results of research conducted in the IIMCB laboratories and ensuring proper protection of results with commercialization potential
• Seeking funding sources and business partners for the development of inventions
• Applying for grants for technology development and commercialization, implementing and reporting on them
• Building and presenting business cases and marketing materials with the aim of partnering with the biotech industry (R&D collaborations and/or licensing)
• Expanding the IIMCB's business network and building the IIMCB's image as a business partner
• Cooperating with lawyers and patent attorneys in preparation of legal documents and their follow up (alliance management)
• Monitoring IIMCB discoveries along the patenting and commercialization processes

Necessary qualifications:

• PhD in life sciences
• Experience in biomedical research
• Experience in translational projects and technology transfer is an asset
• Strong interest to develop professional competences in technology transfer
• Readiness for a 1.5-year training-in-residence at VIB, Ghent, Belgium
• Strong analytical skills
• Decision-making and negotiation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Fluency in oral and written Polish and English.

The IIMCB offers:

• Employment contract with the IIMCB and secondment for 1.5-year training-in-residence at VIB, Ghent, Belgium
• Full-time salary, including the secondment period, and additional secondment allowance
• Full-time salary is complemented by an additional 13th salary* plus an annual bonus
• Attractive social package (co-financing Multisport cards, Christmas, Easter and summer holiday bonuses, etc.)
• Additional paid vacation starting from the 2nd year of employment
• Work in hybrid mode
• Professional development and business travel opportunities
• Full organizational and administrative support by professional English-speaking staff
• Friendly, inclusive, international working environment

The IIMCB offers:

• Employment contract with the IIMCB and secondment for 1.5-year training-in-residence at VIB, Ghent, Belgium
• Full-time salary, including the secondment period, and additional secondment allowance
• Full-time salary is complemented by an additional 13th salary* plus an annual bonus
• Attractive social package (co-financing Multisport cards, Christmas, Easter and summer holiday bonuses, etc.)
• Additional paid vacation starting from the 2nd year of employment
• Work in hybrid mode
• Professional development and business travel opportunities
• Full organizational and administrative support by professional English-speaking staff
• Friendly, inclusive, international working environment

The application should include:

• Cover letter explaining the motivation for joining the IIMCB
• Curriculum Vitae
• A concise statement of 1-3 professional achievements
• Contact information for two references

Applications should be sent to recruitment@iimcb.gov.pl, in the subject please include "TTM" and your first and last name.

The deadline for applications is June 15, 2023.

Job interviews are scheduled for June 22-23, 2023.

Applications should include the statement: “I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process.” Your personal data will be processed only for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Full information is available at https://bit.ly/3UFWpY2.

*13th salary is calculated as 8.5% of the gross salary received in a given calendar  year (excluding sick pay) under the condition of having worked a minimum of 6 months in a given year