Director of Research and Transfer

Location: Bremen, Germany 

Job Type: Full-Time (On-site)

About Constructor University    

Constructor University (formerly Jacobs University) is a private, state-accredited, English-language university in Bremen. We offer Bachelor, Master, and PhD programs in three schools: School of Science, School of Computer Science and Engineering, and School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences. Our principles are first-class teaching and research, international diversity, and transdisciplinary cooperation. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, Constructor University is among the top 25 percent out of more than 1900 universities worldwide and is ranked as the second most international university in the world. As an international university, we attract highly talented and open-minded students from all over the world. Currently, over 1,600 students from 110 nations live and study on our residential campus.  

Overview

The Director of Research and Transfer at Constructor University plays a pivotal role in shaping the university's research strategy, fostering innovation, and ensuring the efficient transfer of knowledge and technology to society and industry. This leadership position involves managing interdisciplinary research projects, strengthening relationships with external partners, and supporting faculty in advancing their research agendas. The Director also oversees the university's technology transfer office and ensures the successful commercialisation of research outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Research Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and implement long-term research strategies.
• Manage the financial and organisational aspects of grants and ensure successful audits.
• Promote high-impact research and support competitive funding proposals.

2. Innovation & Technology Transfer:

• Oversee commercial and contractual aspects of externally funded research.
• Lead knowledge and technology transfer efforts to industry, government, and non-profits.
• Manage the Technology Transfer Office, including intellectual property and licensing.

3. Partnerships & External Relations:

• Build strategic partnerships with industry, research institutions, and government.
• Negotiate research agreements and represent the university in consortia.

4. Research Support & Capacity Building:

• Coordination grant support services across departments (e.g., HR, Finance).
• Mentor faculty in securing funding and organising training to enhance research skills.
• Foster a culture of research excellence and innovation.

5. Policy Development & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with research guidelines.
• Develop and implement policies for research, intellectual property, and innovation.
• Maintain adherence to national and international research regulations and ethics.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Professional Experience:

• Research Leadership: Minimum of 10 years of experience in a research-intensive environment, demonstrating a strong record of research leadership, project management, and strategic planning.
• External Funding Acquisition: Demonstrated success in securing external research funding from national and international funding bodies, specifically but not limited to DFG, BMBF, EU grants, etc.
• Technology Transfer & Commercialization: Proven experience in managing technology transfer activities, including intellectual property management, patenting, licensing, and commercialisation of research outcomes.
• Collaboration & Partnership Building: Track record of building and maintaining successful collaborations with industry, government, non-profit organisations, and other research institutions.

2. Skills & Competencies:

• Leadership & Strategic Planning: Strong leadership skills with the ability to set strategic priorities, drive change, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Project Management: Expertise in enhancing grant applications from the formal and budgeting standpoint; managing, auding, reporting, and controlling large, interdisciplinary projects and coordinating teams from diverse academic and industrial backgrounds.
• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to negotiate research contracts, licensing agreements, and collaboration deals effectively. · Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: Ability to identify opportunities, address challenges, and find innovative solutions in research and technology transfer.

3. Knowledge:

• Research Ecosystem: In-depth understanding of the research landscape, including knowledge of funding mechanisms, research trends, and technology transfer practices in Germany, the EU, and globally.
• Intellectual Property Management: Familiarity with IP laws, patenting processes, and best practices for managing intellectual property in a university setting.
• Innovation & Commercialization: Knowledge of business development, start-up ecosystems, and entrepreneurship support, with experience in promoting spin-offs and start-ups.

4. Language Proficiency:

• German & English Fluency.

5. Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in Higher Education Sector: Previous experience in an academic or research institution, with an understanding of university research structures, policies, and compliance.
• Global Perspective: Exposure to international research networks and consortia, with the ability to leverage global connections to benefit the university’s research and innovation agenda.

6. Educational Background:

• PhD or Equivalent Advanced Degree.