Innovation manager / Business developer Data Science Institute

Background
UHasselt's Data Science Institute (DSI) unites leading scientific research, education and industrial cooperation at both regional and international level. Our goal is to prepare society for a data-driven future, with a focus on fundamental as well as applied research within all facets of the data science cycle.
With our strategy, we turn scientific knowledge into solutions for current issues, such as:

• Efficient data management and querying of databases
• Integrating different data sources
• Avoiding bias in big data
• Modelling high-dimensional, longitudinal, or other complex data
• Optimising software and AI systems

We operate in sectors such as public health (e.g. infectious disease modelling and clinical trials), life sciences, industry 4.0, environment, agriculture and food safety. As an Innovation Manager / Business Developer, you will join a dynamic and multidisciplinary team committed to pioneering innovations and making a strong impact on the ground.

Job content
Do you want to play a key role in translating cutting-edge research into market-oriented solutions? Do you have a passion for data science and a talent for business development? Hasselt University's Data Science Institute (DSI) is looking for a driven Innovation Manager / Business Developer to strengthen our valorisation capacity.

In the rapidly changing landscape of data science, new opportunities to bring research results to the outside world are constantly emerging. As Innovation Manager / Business Developer, you play a crucial role in converting these opportunities into concrete collaborations and innovations. You are the link between research within DSI and the outside world, helping researchers turn their results into valuable applications.

Your responsibilities:
Stay abreast of DSI research: You will follow the latest scientific developments within DSI to identify new valorisation and business opportunities.
Industry and innovation insights: You will develop strategic industry and innovation policy insights, focusing on data science, open science, software development and intellectual property (IP) protection.
Point of contact for valorisation: You guide researchers in developing their ideas into market-ready product or service, such as patents, licences, spin-offs or services.
Networking: You identify and maintain relationships with new and existing partners in a various sectors such as industry, academia and governments. You actively participate in events, trade shows and networking events to increase DSI's visibility.
Understanding partner needs: You understand the data science needs of external partners and translate them into write services (consultancy) or collaborations that DSI can offer. You work closely with the services unit and the finance manager to develop bids and contract proposals. 
Managing IP: You will manage DSI's IP portfolio, including open source licences, and support researchers in choosing appropriate OSS licences.
Submitting valorisation projects: You will help prepare and submit valorisation projects to various funds such as FWO-SBO, VLAIO and EU programmes.
Negotiations: You support negotiations on IP and other contractual terms with external partners.
Cooperation within UHasselt: You work closely with the current Innovation Manager, DSI directors, researchers, research managers and various UHasselt services such as Tech Transfer and Research Coordination.
We are looking for an Innovation Manager who is strong in both strategic thinking and relationship building and business development. You have a background in science or industry and feel at home in an environment where research and innovation come together.

Profile

• Academic background or experience: A PhD degree in mathematics, data science, engineering, computer science, life sciences or at least 5 years' experience in scientific or strategic research or equivalent experience within the industry.
• Passion for valorisation: You are driven to bring research results to market and know how to enthuse others about valorisation processes.
• Networking skills: You have experience in building and maintaining collaborations and have an affinity for business.
• Experience in valorisation: Experience in applied data science, AI, IP exploitation (licences, spin-offs, startups) or valorisation-oriented applications is a plus. 

• Organisational talent: You are strong in project management and always maintain a clear overview, with a structured approach.

• Learning attitude: You have a strong interest in IP protection and exploitation, especially in relation to software, and are willing to learn continuously.
• Communication skills: You communicate fluently and clearly in English (written and oral). Command of Dutch is a plus, or you are willing to learn it.

Offer
You will be appointed and paid as Innovation manager / Business developer.
We offer a full-time contract of indefinite duration. UHasselt wishes to create a pleasant working climate for its employees through flexible working hours, a nice work-life balance and an open and dynamic team culture where entrepreneurial employees are encouraged. In the context of lifelong learning, UHasselt supports training opportunities among its employees. We also offer you the possibility of teleworking (max. 2 days per week). This vacancy is funded by the Industrial Research Fund (IOF) of UHasselt in which valorisation of in-house research and technology is central.

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 04 November 2024.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file, an introductory interview, a in-depth interview (with assignment) and an assessment center. If required, a selection exam can be held after preselection.

Further information
Prof. dr. Niel HENS, +32-11-268232, niel.hens@uhasselt.be

For questions about the selection procedure, please email jobs@uhasselt.be.