Job opportunity

Head of Innovation and Commercialisation - UOD2413

Posted on 25 September 2026 | Reference: UOD2413

Closing date

Sunday, 25 October 2026, 23:59

Salary

£59,966 - £67,468 per annum
Grade 9

Contract type

Permanent
Open Ended
Campus

City

Faculty/Directorate

Research and Innovation

Unit/Department

Commercialisation

Research & Innovation Operations

Full-Time/Permanent

Grade 9, £59, 966 - £67,468

We are seeking a highly experienced, driven and well-connected professional to build, lead and manage our Innovation and Commercialisation Team. The I&C Teams sits within the Research & Innovation Operations (RIO) Hub, which forms a key component in the delivery of the University's Research and Innovation strategy. RIO fulfils a critical function, facilitating and mobilising all aspects of research, impact, commercialisation and innovation across our academic community and external stakeholders. It also enables and facilitates high-quality academic research through the development of strong research delivery plans as well as policies that ensure compliance with research governance requirements. Working in partnership we deliver the University and Faculties' strategic priorities creating an inclusive and diverse research culture where everyone can thrive, excel, and contribute to grow our excellence in research, innovation, and impact.

Working as a member of the RIO senior leadership team, the post-holder will contribute to the continuous improvement of all RIO functions, ensuring teams work collaboratively to deliver an integrated, effective and resilient operating model.

Your priorities will include:

  • Lead on the development and management all functions within Innovation and Commercialisation, including Business Development and Partnerships, Contracts, and IP Portfolio Management, ensuring the effective delivery of operational services in these areas, achievement of objectives, and continuous service improvement.
  • Develop process to maximise the return from investment in the commercialisation pipeline.
  • Oversee the management of the IP budget
  • Work closely with the Director of Research and Innovation Operations and the Head of Research Operations and Excellence to ensure services operate as an integrated function and deliver a seamless experience for researchers and external partners.
  • Act as Line Manager for core staff who support the Innovation Hub. Ensure that the activities of the Hub and

those of the wider University are mutually supportive.

Who we're looking for:

  • Degree or equivalent professional qualifications/experience
  • Significant senior leadership experience in innovation, commercialisation, knowledge exchange or research management
  • Significant experience of research, commercial and collaborative contract negotiation and management.
  • Demonstrable experience if intellectual property management, licensing and spin-out creation.

We are one of the UK's leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University.

For further information about this position please contact Rebecca Leiper ([email protected]).

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

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Application closing date

Sunday, 25 October 2026, 23:59

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