CeMM is looking for a full-time (40 hours a week) Head of Technology Transfer.
The mission of CeMM, the Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, is to achieve maximum scientific innovation in molecular medicine for the improvement of health care. CeMM is an international research institute and a founding member of EU-LIFE, an alliance of leading European life science institutes. At CeMM, an international and creative team of scientists and physicians pursue free basic research in the life sciences in a large and vibrant hospital environment with an outstanding medical tradition and practice. CeMM's research is based on post-genomic technologies and focuses on diseases of major societal importance, such as immune and infectious diseases, cancer, aging, and metabolic disorders. CeMM operates in a unique mode of super-collaboration, linking biology with medicine, experimentation with computation, discovery with translation, and science with society and the arts.
Your role
The Head of Technology Transfer in Life Sciences will lead the strategic management, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies emerging from research and development at CeMM. Recognized globally as a leader in academic entrepreneurship and societal impact, CeMM integrates cutting-edge biomedical research with translational science to transform discoveries into tangible health and technological advancements. This position will play a pivotal role in ensuring that CeMM continues to set benchmarks in driving innovation from the lab to the market.
In this role, you will foster collaborations between academia, industry, and internal stakeholders to translate CeMM's groundbreaking research into products, services, and partnerships that create real-world value. By advancing the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, this role will further solidify CeMM’s reputation as a hub for impactful scientific progress and leadership in the life sciences sector, help us to identify and develop the next cutting edge startup, continuing on the successful examples of Solgate, Proxygen, Myelopro, Allcyte, Haplogen.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for technology transfer aligned with organizational goals.
- Identify and prioritize high-potential technologies for development and commercialization.
- Contribute to European-wide best practices in technology transfer with EU-LIFE’s Technology Transfer working group
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Education:
- Design and deliver educational programs and workshops for employees, researchers, and trainees to foster entrepreneurial thinking and innovation skills.
- Mentor and guide researchers in understanding market-driven innovation, business modeling, and startup formation.
- Promote a culture of innovation within the organization by hosting pitch sessions, hackathons
Partnerships and Collaboration:
- Establish and maintain partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry stakeholders
- Serve as the primary liaison between R&D teams and external collaborators to facilitate technology licensing, co-development, and strategic alliances.
- Maintain and negotiate agreements to ensure the safeguarding and value of CeMM inventions
Technology Assessment and Valuation:
- Proactive interaction with CeMM researchers and attending regular scientific update meetings
- Identify and evaluate new discoveries for market potential, intellectual property strength, and alignment with market needs.
- Conduct due diligence to assess commercial viability and risks.
Intellectual Property Management:
- Together with leading IP firm Vossius and Partner oversee the protection of IP, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks.
- Manage IP licensing agreements and alliance management
Business Development:
- Drive licensing and commercialization efforts, negotiating terms that maximize revenue and strategic positioning.
- Identify and secure funding opportunities, including grants, venture capital, and public-private partnerships.
Your profile
- Advanced degree (i.e Ph.D.) in either life sciences, computational, chemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in technology transfer, commercialization, or business development in the life science sector.
- Demonstrated success in managing IP portfolios and negotiating licensing agreements.
- Proven ability to build partnerships with academia and industry.
- Demonstrated success in mentoring and engagement with researchers
- Strong understanding of life sciences especially as related to CeMM’s research and cutting-edge science and market trends.
- Strong understanding of life sciences R&D processes and market dynamics.
- Expertise in intellectual property law, licensing, and contract negotiation.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute detailed plans.
- Leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.
- Strong engagement and people focused
- Strong understanding of confidentiality principles and practices
- Proficient in handling strategic and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
Interested? Learn more and apply here.
