Position Title: Director: Research Contracts & Innovation

Requisition ID: 959

Department: Research Contracts Innovation

City: Cape Town

DIRECTOR: RESEARCH CONTRACTS & INNOVATION

(Permanent; Payclass 13;4)

Research Contracts & Innovation

The University of Cape Town has a very large and diverse research portfolio with a strong local and international reputation in terms of impact, and seeks to fill the position of Director, Research Contracts and Innovation (RC&I). The Director, Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I), reports to the Deputy Vice Chancellor responsible for Research & Internationalisation. RC&I has two important functions:

• Supporting UCT’s research activities by centrally managing, authorising, and negotiating research contracts, research-related extension contracts entered into with our wide variety of funders; and

• Fulfilling the role of a technology transfer office (TTO) and commercialising the university’s research outputs to stimulate the growth of the South African economy, foster small business development, and transform society for social, commercial, and environmental benefit.

The director oversees the activities of a team of Legal Advisors and support staff responsible for the formal drafting, negotiating, and finalising of complex sponsored research agreements, collaboration agreements, confidentiality agreements, license agreements, and material transfer agreements as they relate to research and research-related contracts. The incumbent must ensure that proper administrative processes are in place as it relates to the processing of contracts and downstream and upstream processes related to that. In addition, the incumbent must ensure that the University has the necessary policies, processes, and structures in place to comply with relevant legislation (local and international), funders' terms and conditions, and other such activities so that the University's risk profile is not compromised.

The director leads all aspects of the technology transfer operations, overseeing the activities of a team that is focused on Intellectual Property (IP) management and IP commercialization. The activities include, among others, strategic planning, intellectual property identification, patenting, marketing, and commercialization through licensing and company formation.

The director must ensure that RC&I lives up to its vision, i.e. to be recognized and acknowledged by our research community, industry, government, and international collaborators as a committed partner and service provider in ensuring that the research and development efforts of the researchers at UCT have an opportunity to result in outcomes which will benefit society in its broadest sense.

Requirements for the job:

Formal qualifications and experience:

A NQF 9/master’s degree in science or engineering.
A second qualification in a discipline such as LLB, MBA or other relevant professional degree.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in contract management and administration and technology commercialisation in a Higher Education or alike environment.
Experience in academic and industrial practices.
Demonstrable experience in financial management.

Research contracts experience:

Very good knowledge of contract law, good judgment and ability to negotiate complex contractual terms and conditions.
A very good understanding of industrial contracts, contract administration, research policies, intellectual property and financial issues in an academic environment.
Have successfully managed, negotiated intellectual property agreements between universities, industry and government.

Innovation and Commercialisation:

An appropriate profile in science and technology management, with adequate knowledge of the higher-education and the private sectors and national system of innovation.
Good understanding of science & technologies across faculty borders
Experience with spin-off company formation.
Good understanding of science & technologies across faculty borders

Leadership:

Demonstrable and strong leadership track record.

Skills:

Problem solving ability.
Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to interact effectively with a diverse audience of professionals.
Detail oriented, with a high degree of accuracy.
Negotiation and project management skills
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team which cuts across the university community and the university's external constituencies.
Strong collaboration skills for working with inventors, industry, governmental organisations, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Knowledge:

Experience in business management/technical product management.
Extensive knowledge of institutional policies and law and be able to present the institution in the negotiation of contractual terms at a senior management or legal counsel level.
Demonstrated knowledge of intellectual property protection and management, licensing, and technology transfer in an academic or industry setting.
Excellent understanding of finances and budgeting.

The following will be advantageous:

Registered as a Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP).

Responsibilities:

Strategic direction, management, and alignment of Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I).
Innovation, Technology transfer, and Commercialisation.
Research and Research related Contracting.

The annual cost of employment for 2025, including benefits is R 1 670 679 and R 1 965 508.

To view and apply for this position, please visit the UCT Jobs site (For Internal Applicants) and (For external Applicants) to create a profile and to submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

Curriculum Vitae (CV),
Motivation/Cover letter that speaks to the specific requirements of the position,
Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number, and
Your vision statement on Intellectual Property (IP) and Commercialization at UCT (not more than 3 pages).

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessment and pre-placement-medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms Hlubi Ntsizi at recruitment07@uct.ac.za or 021 650 3831.

Closing date: 5 March 2025

Website: https://www.uct.ac.za/rci

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available atwww.hr.uct.ac.za/hr/policies/employ_equity

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.