Technology Transfer Officer

Networking and Marketing

• Developing and maintaining relationships with SU's academic and research community to stimulate innovation and intellectual property (IP) awareness.
• Assisting with the disclosure process and promoting a culture of innovation within the University.
• Creating and distributing marketing material for SU technologies and Innovus initiatives.
• Representing SU and giving presentations at conferences and networking events.
• Coordinating and supporting events to showcase SU innovations and attract external business partners and investors.
• Maintaining and creating content for Innovus's digital platforms (website, social media, and newsletters).

Evaluation and IP Analysis

• Reviewing and assessing technology disclosures for technical merit and commercial potential.
• Conducting prior art and market research to inform IP strategy and commercialisation prospects.
• Collaborating with patent attorneys and internal stakeholders on IP filings and protection strategies.
• Supporting the development of commercialisation pathways (e.g., licensing, partnerships, or spin-out formation).

Commercialisation and Business Development

• Identifying potential commercial and industry partners for new technologies.
• Proactively marketing and selling SU innovations globally.
• Supporting the structuring and negotiation of licensing agreements and other commercial deals.
• Liaising with internal teams to monitor ongoing commercial relationships and agreements.
• Assisting with developing business cases or commercialisation plans for high-potential innovations.

Communication and Strategic Engagement

• Working closely with the Deputy Director: Technology Transfer and the broader Innovus team.
• Contributing to internal reports, dashboards, and documentation on TTO performance and project progress.
• Engaging with the SU LaunchLab and other partners on entrepreneurial development activities.
• Contributing to continuous improvement of technology transfer practices at SU.

• Master's degree in a science or engineering discipline.
• Demonstrated success in technology commercialisation and innovation.
• An extensive network across various industries.
• At least two years' working experience in a technology commercialisation setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• The ability to translate technical language into marketing material that is easily understood by anyone.
• The ability to perform due diligence on technology projects to determine commercial viability, competitiveness, applications, customer profile, etc.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Self-driven, proactive, and flexible.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Comfortable working across disciplines and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and perform well under pressure.
• Willingness to travel.
• A valid driver's licence and own transport.

• The ability to use artificial intelligence tools in an ethical and constructive manner to enhance productivity.
• Exposure to intellectual property, commercialisation processes, or technology transfer.
• Familiarity with South Africa's IPR Act (51 of 2008) and/or university IP policies.
• Experience in a technology sales capacity.
• Experience working in or with academic or research environments.
• Basic project management experience or training.