Job Description

Job Summary

As the Innovation Lead, you will play a pivotal role in driving the University’s innovation agenda within the scientific disciplines. You will be responsible for identifying, nurturing, and commercializing promising research outputs with high commercial potential. You will act as a bridge between our talented researchers, industry partners, and investors, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Proactively collaborate with faculty and researchers to identify novel research with commercialisation potential.

Evaluate and assess the commercial viability of scientific discoveries, considering market needs and intellectual property (IP) landscape.

Develop and implement strategies for protecting, managing, and commercialising the University’s IP.

Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the university community, providing mentorship and guidance to researchers on translating ideas into marketable solutions.

Oversee the incubation and acceleration of promising scientific ventures, providing resources and mentorship to student and faculty entrepreneurs.

Develop and implement programs and workshops to equip researchers with essential skills in innovation management, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship.

Track and analyze innovation metrics, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic goals.

Stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in science and technology transfer to identify emerging opportunities.

Qualifications and Experience

Key Skills and Attributes

Proven experience in scientific research and innovation management.

A strong understanding of the technology transfer process and intellectual property (IP) law.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

A demonstrated ability to build and manage collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Experience in implementing successful innovation programs.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have a minimum of an MSc degree in Engineering, Applied Sciences, Agriculture – Animal Science/Crop Science, Food Science or other related field from an accredited institution, and demonstrated experience in research, innovation and technology transfer to commercialisation.

A BSc Degree in Engineering, Applied Sciences, Agriculture – Animal Science/Crop Science, Food Science or other related field from an accredited institution.

A minimum of five (5) years’ working experience of which two (2) years’ experience must be in research, innovation and/or management of a business venture;

The candidate should have a proven track record in multidisciplinary research, collaboration, and/or management of partnerships. The ideal candidate should have experience in interacting with students and/or teaching and learning.

Should have a minimum of one (1) publication or equivalent such as patents/industrial designs.

How to Apply

Conditions of Service:

Medical Aid, Leave, and Pension Benefits are offered.
Information on salary and other benefits will be provided to short-listed candidates.
Applications: Soft copies in a single continuous PDF file of each of the following should be sent:

Application letter
Certified copies of educational and professional certificates
National identity card
Birth certificate
Curriculum vitae
The curriculum vitae should include full personal particulars such as full name, place and date of birth, qualifications, previous employment and experience, present salary, date of availability, telephone number, email address, and names and addresses of three referees including their email addresses.

Applications should be sent to:

[email protected]

Or hand-delivered to:

The Deputy Registrar
Human Resources Section
Gwanda State University
Epoch Mine Campus
P O Box 30
Filabusi

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.