Innovation Manager in the field of Genomic Medicine (ref. OZK-2022-86)

Innovation Manager in the field of Genomic Medicine

(ref. OZK-2022-86)

Last modification :Thursday, November 10, 2022

The Department for Human Genetics has been spearheading genomic medicine and the genomics revolution and is well-recognized as a leading genetics and genomics hub in Europe and beyond. The clinical center for human genetics (CME, Centrum Menselijke Erfelijkheid) has over 10,000 patient contacts and over 50,000 diagnostic samples yearly, which makes the center one of the largest academic genetic diagnostic laboratories in Europe. Academic research programs focus on Genomic Medicine and are situated at the interface between clinical practice and strategic fundamental research in a tight junction with the CME. The goal of the Industrial Research Fund (lOF) at the University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium), is to accelerate the transfer of knowledge and innovations arising from strategic basic research to the market. A team of more than 40 experienced Innovation Managers, embedded within research groups throughout the University and the University Hospital (UZ Leuven), achieve this goal primarily by establishing mutually beneficial, collaborative relationships with a broad range of external partners in industry, academia, as well as (inter)national and regional public-private organizations. To successfully manage the innovation/exploitation and translation of Liquid Biopsy applications, Whole Genome Analyses and Genomic Diagnostics towards Genomic Medicine, the IOF together with the teams of Professors Joris Vermeesch, Gert Matthijs, Isabelle Vanden Bempt and Bernard Thienpont are recruiting an Innovation Manager in the field of Genomic Medicine.

Website unit

Responsibilities

We are looking for an Innovation Manager to develop and support the valorization strategy around Genome Diagnostics and Liquid Biopsy genomic technologies at the Department. The Innovation Manager will mainly focus on facilitating and substantially increasing the valorization output by 1) enhancing the visibility and outreach activities of the Genomic Medicine consortium towards industrial partners, in particular, the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, 2) detecting potential valorization opportunities and implementing a customized valorization strategy together with the consortium members, and 3) attracting additional funding through collaborative networking with (inter)national stakeholders in the field and projects at the European/national level. You will propose Genomics Solution services and/or partnerships to clients in the industry and create a program in which both the industry and the research groups are strengthened. Additionally, you will manage the innovation/exploitation of the patent portfolio and novel developments in applied genomics. Finally, you will be responsible for the scouting and acquisition of EU and national projects with a high economic finality. Your responsibilities therefore include:

• Managing the valorization of the Liquid Biopsy and Genome Diagnostics patent portfolio, spin-off creation plans and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) tech-transfer applications of cutting-edge technologies (Illumina, PacBio, ONT, 10x Genomics);

• Supporting valorization trajectory from research results towards industrial reality. This entails active involvement in writing and shaping patents, licenses and business strategy development in consultation with KU Leuven Research and Development;

• Identifying new leads for research and industrial collaborations and new grant application opportunities;

• Participating in the development of and collaborating in (European/national) consortia;

• Promoting the research and valorization program at conferences, networking meetings, innovation ecosystems and on-site company visits to develop business, while further developing a strong online presence to disseminate and create visibility of the Genomic Medicine Consortium (website, PR, Social network, branding);

• As a gifted communicator and networker you promote our Genomic Medicine pipeline, strengthen existing relations and attract industrial, health-care authorities and academic partners/users to the technologies developed in the consortium;

• Developing a clear valorization track strategy for new and ongoing research projects;

• Supporting the individual researchers and interdisciplinary teams to identify the most suitable valorization strategy for applied research results (patent, licensing, spin-offs).

The Innovation Manager will coordinate the Valorization program through regular meetings and inform the Management Board of achieved milestones.

Profile

• PhD or minimum 5 years of research experience in biological, biomedical or bio-engineering sciences, as well as strategic research management and/or strategic industry experience;

• Experience in human genomic applications & oncology field. Familiar with the competitive landscape in genomics and oncology;

• Experience with the commercial valorization of sequencing and analytical technologies;

• Preferably experience with managerial tasks and customer-facing services in human genomics applied to genomic medicine and precision medicine in oncology. International experience is a further asset;

• Preferably work experience in an industry setting, whether as a medical or commercial manager in biotech or as a division manager with a tech-transfer focus. Cross-functional experience in different industries, domains and/or functions is a further asset;

• Preferably familiar with the European and National applied research funding schemes and the innovation ecosystem, with experience in (applying for), amongst others, European projects, regional projects, bilateral cooperation projects with industry involvement, consortia creation, etc.;

• Experience in writing grant applications and project budgeting;

• Entrepreneurial and strategic mindset;

• Strong communication and negotiation skills. Digital communication experience is an asset;

• Enthusiastic can-do mentality, dedicated team worker;

• You are a passionate industry, government and academic networker;

• Senior profile is preferred.

You work in Leuven, but you should regularly perform company visits and participate in conferences/workshops and other events across the globe.

Offer

An exciting and challenging job, focused on continuous innovation and development in a transdisciplinary and international context. We offer a permanent position as Innovation Manager of the Industrial Research Fund (IOF) at KU Leuven, a world-famous university.

Interested?

For more information please contact Mr. Sammy Brié, tel.: +32 16 37 37 24, mail: sammy.brie@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Joris Vermeesch, mail: joris.vermeesch@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than December 12, 2022 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.