Director of Economic Development and Commercialisation

Set in a beautiful historic city, Durham University has strengths across the Arts and Humanities, Business, Sciences and Social Sciences. A collegiate University, Durham is home to an international community of students, scholars and researchers, providing an environment that is both nurturing and challenging for all. This is an exciting time to join Durham and to help deliver the University strategy, following the recent arrival of our new Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Professor Karen O'Brien.

As part of a senior leadership reorganisation within Research and Innovation Services (RIS) at Durham, we are looking to appoint a Director of Economic Development and Commercialisation. This important post will be one of four-Directors leading RIS and will be responsible for driving economic activity as an 'anchor institution' in the North-East. This senior post will look to provide a best-in-class central service for the targeted support for major economic development projects (including capital investment projects) and strategic relationships that deliver intellectual and financial returns to Durham University. This includes leadership of the Nationally recognised 'Northern Accelerator' programme to provide an integrated approach to the commercialisation of research across the North East Universities, alongside delivering the innovation ecosystem that maximises our ability to commercialise research, support student enterprise and enhance business engagement with University research.

Reporting to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Colin Bain, the Director of Economic Development and Commercialisation is a member of the senior management team of RIS.

It is essential that the new Director of Economic Development and Commercialisation has a substantial and successful track record of leading and delivering economic development programmes, excellent in-depth knowledge of economic development fund policies, procedures and mechanisms as relevant to higher education, and is well-connected externally at a local and national level within the economic development, funding and policy sphere. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate substantial knowledge and understanding of the research commercialisation (technology transfer) field.

The appointment of the Director of Economic Development & Commercialisation will be determined by a Selection Panel. A search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver, who will support the Selection Panel to identify the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assist in their assessment.

The University would welcome applications from candidates with the qualifications and experience to undertake this role. We are committed to being a fully inclusive and diverse community. We seek and encourage applications for this role from the broadest range of society, including all under-represented groups.

Applications should consist of a covering letter, full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, employment history, latest remuneration and relevant achievements.

Candidates who have particular requirements if invited to interview should make them clear in their applications.

Durham University are working in partnership with Perrett Laver to recruit to this post.

Applications can be uploaded at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/3253/director_of_economic_development_and_commercialisation/Please quote reference 6168.

The closing date for applications is Monday 5th December at 23.59 GMT.