Wanted: tech industry ‘big hitter’
Informatics is looking for an exceptional Director of Commercialisation & Industry Engagement.
Colin Adams, our previous Director, received the Principal’s Medal, the University’s highest honour, for his outstanding contribution to the current technological and entrepreneurial success of Edinburgh as a University and as a City.
Now that Colin has retired, the School is seeking a worthy successor.
The successful candidate will define and implement strategies which will advance Informatics’ position as a world-leading centre for research, commercialisation and knowledge exchange – and lead the dynamic team which connects, educates and supports Scotland’s technology entrepreneurs.
Excellent track record of commercialisation success
Head of School, Professor Johanna Moore, says:
“Our new Director of Commercialisation and Industry Engagement will come from a strong technology industry background and be able to bring insights into global trends and developments in technology and its applications. They will have experience of commercialising research in Higher Education, either gained from an industry or a university perspective. They will provide the link between the University academic body and industry partners, leading both strategically and operationally to create and secure commercial interests for the University.
“A very important element of the role will be to secure external funding to further advance the School’s position as a world-leading centre in informatics research, commercialisation and knowledge exchange activities.
“Over and above this the School is looking for an exceptional individual who displays leadership, credibility, gravitas and diplomacy and who has an excellent track record of commercialisation success within large corporate, academic, investment or research institute environments.”
Strategic and operational leadership
Key responsibilities will be:
- Defining and implementing strategies which advance the School’s position as a world-leading centre for informatics research, commercialisation and knowledge exchange
- Representing the School and the University to related industry sectors, stakeholders and partners
- Providing strategic and operational leadership
- Pro-actively identifying and engaging with industry partners
- Influencing and motivating academic colleagues to encourage commercialisation opportunities
- Identifying and securing external funding
- Supporting key programmes such as Informatics Ventures and the EIE (Engage/Invest/Exploit) annual event.
To apply
To apply and to receive a full job description, qualified and experienced candidates are invited to send their CV with details of current remuneration to Ailsa Sutherland, Director, FWB Park Brown at fwb@fwbparkbrown.com.
Working within the School
We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working and recognise and value diversity across all our staff and students. The School has an active programme offering support and professional development for all staff; providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities. The School of Informatics holds a Silver Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education and research.