The lndustrial Research Fund (lOF) of KU Leuven Association acts as a dynamic conduit between strategic basic research, technological innovations and industrial partnerships. Leveraging collaborations with KU Leuven’s research units, the University Hospital, and diverse industry and societal stakeholders, our objective is to expand KU Leuven’s valorization portfolio while enhancing knowledge transfer. Our team comprises over 40 experienced innovation managers who specialize in converting the research teams’ expertise and infrastructure at KU Leuven/UZ Leuven into practical, cutting-edge technological solutions. Each innovation manager has an own focus and can exchange thoughts on strategies and access networks of peers.
The IOF, together with the Trellis team - embedded in the Departments of ‘Cellular and Molecular Medicine’ and ‘Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation’ at KU Leuven – recruits an innovation manager who will be responsible for the valorisation of the research and the transfer of Trellis’ technology to industry & society.
Trellis, headed by prof. Els Henckaerts, is a pioneering lab that works on the cutting edge of AAV (adeno-associated virus) biology research and translational science to develop novel AAV-based gene therapies for the clinic. Its ambition is to build an AAV gene therapy ecosystem in and beyond Flanders. The IOF fellow will work in close collaboration with prof. Henckaerts, the research managers, the lab manager and the researchers in the team, as well as business development consultants and the tech transfer office at KU Leuven (LRD). Besides, by closely interacting with other innovation managers and their program responsibles, the IOF manager will stimulate (interdisciplinary) collaboration with other research groups at the university to combine expertise and create new synergies to advance gene therapy development. The IOF manager, in collaboration with the business team, will outline the projects/programs and their valorisation trajectory while setting clear deliverables and milestones. Our research laboratories are located on the Gasthuisberg campus and in Bio-Incubator Leuven. Your office will be located in the Bio-Incubator, a hub for biotech innovation.
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Responsibilities
- You will identify commercial opportunities for the lab's research, driving societal and economic impact by advancing in-house AAV innovations, and exploring opportunities in rAAV manufacturing, process development, proof-of-concept studies, and breakthroughs from academic or industry partners;
- You will support the application and management of national and European alliances and assist in valorization-oriented grant writing for the team;
- You will provide strategic direction, helping the lab focus on research areas with the highest potential for business growth;
- You will foster collaboration between researchers, IOF managers from related disciplines, clinicians and other stakeholders, such as industry partners, investors, key opinion leaders, patient organizations and research institutions;
- You will support different valorization activities, including spin-off creation and managing bilateral contracts;
- By understanding the commercial potential of various research projects, you will assist in prioritizing and allocating resources effectively, ensuring that the lab invests in the most promising ventures. Thereby, you will play an active role in the project and financial management;
- You will help manage the risks associated with innovation by conducting market analysis, feasibility studies, and competitive assessments;
- You promote a culture of innovation within the lab, encouraging researchers to think beyond the lab bench and consider the broader impact and application of their work;
- In collaboration with the KU Leuven technology transfer office, you will play a key role in managing IP and devising strategies for its protection and commercialization;
- You will support dissemination and visibility of the research activities.
Profile
- You hold a PhD in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioscience Engineering or related discipline. Alternatively you have minimum 5 years of experience in applied or strategic basic research in a relevant field, or you have an equivalent experience in industry;
- You preferably have a first working experience in biotech or pharma environment;
- You have a solid background in the field of gene therapy research & development;
- You have experience in attracting and managing external research funding from the private and/or public sector in the domain of applied research on national as well as international level;
- You have knowledge of technology transfer processes needed to valorize academic research results;
- You have experience in managing a broad project portfolio;
- Experience with spin-off trajectories originating from academic research is considered a plus;
- Experience with EU projects and related administration and management is an advantage;
- You possess strong organizational, management and communication skills;
- You are quality-oriented, hard-working, conscientious, creative, and cooperative;
- Given the challenging role in both national and international context, it is important that you are fluent in English (both spoken and written).
Offer
We offer a dynamic and inspiring job as an Innovation Manager at KU Leuven. This permanent position promises an engaging journey through continuous innovation and development, situated within a transdisciplinary and international environment. Embrace the opportunity to valorize groundbreaking research initiatives, contributing significantly to the advancement of various fields.
More information
Trellis Research Group
Industrial Research Fund
Interested?
For more information please contact Mrs. Sabrina Daems, tel.: +32 16 37 28 40, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Els Henckaerts, tel.: +32 16 37 61 96, mail: [email protected].
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