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Position Title:  Innovation Commercialisation Manager

Requisition ID:  1207
Department:  Research Contracts Innovation
City:  Cape Town

 

INNOVATION COMMERCIALISATION MANAGER

(Payclass 12; Permanent)

 

Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I)

 

 

Research Contracts & Innovation (RC&I) fulfils the role of a “Technology Transfer Office” managing Intellectual Property (IP), maturing technologies and ultimately commercialising IP through licensing or the spin-off company creation.  RC&I also incorporates legal team who negotiate and conclude the research contracts on behalf of UCT.  We are seeking an Innovation Commercialisation Manager to join us and invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced people for this permanent post.  This key, senior role in our team understands the route to market for a variety of technologies and develops them accordingly and can structure appropriate deals with commercial partners.

 

Requirements:

 

  • NQF 9 in a scientific or engineering discipline.
  • 5 years’ relevant working experience ideally in a new product development environment or technology commercialisation environment.
  • Formal training in project management or experience in managing large, multi-disciplinary and multi-party projects, in the new product development / innovation space.
  • Ability to control project budgets and expenditure, use of financial systems and associated reporting.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of bringing products to market, hurdles faced in different sectors, regulatory requirements, etc.

 

Advantageous

 

  • Engineering background.
  • Candidates who are Recognised Technology Transfer Professionals (RTTP).

 

Responsibilities:

 

The Technology / Innovation Commercialisation Manager (ICM) is responsible for maturing and commercialising technology developed at UCT, which involves three key activities:

 

(i) Developing and implementing commercialisation and/or technology development strategies for all IP in the UCT portfolio. Taking responsibility for implementing the RC&I Stage-Gate process and critical review (e.g. market, commercial viability, techno-economics).

(ii) Advising on fund raising and assisting with proposal development to secure both internal and external funding to mature technologies through Technology Readiness Levels, within the university environment and/or in conjunction with external partners;

(iii) Commercialising Intellectual Property (IP) by identifying suitable licensees, structuring deals, conducting investment due diligence and participating in the UCT team negotiating the terms of license agreements; or advising entrepreneurs on the creation of spin-off companies and reviewing associated business plan development and equity share where appropriate. 

 

The ICM works closely with the IP Manager and IP Specialist, the Innovation Investment Manager and the New Venture Support Manager and Innovation Project Coordinator.

 

 

The annual cost of employment for 2025, including benefits, is R 1 059 866 and R 1 246 900.

 

To apply, please visit the (www.jobs.uct.ac.za) website to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

 

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Motivation/Cover letter (Detailed motivation clearly addressing the job requirements).
  • Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship with you, their e-mail address and telephone number.
  • Copy of qualifications and ID.

 

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 Hlubi.Ntsizi@uct.ac.za or 021 650 3831.

 

Closing date:                                                  9 January 2026

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

Reference Number:                                         1207

 

 

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. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

 

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