Position: Director, Technology Transfer and Innovation
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Location: 40 Minutes North of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea
In support of the technology transfer and economic development mission at KAUST, the University is hiring a Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation. This position reports directly to the VP for Economic & Technology Development. The ideal candidate will have a desire for the following:
- Impact – There is opportunity in this position to craft something that will make an impact and significantly develop the technology transfer and innovation landscape of Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East. As a member of the senior leadership team, you will be instrumental in defining the destiny and direction of innovation at KAUST.
- Compensation –In addition to a generous compensation package with tax advantages for expatriates, this executive-level position offers significant lifestyle benefits, including a tightly knit community, generous housing allowances in a newly-built community on the Red Sea, access to facilities including a golf course and marina, and strong school system based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) standard.
- Adventure – Live and work in a place rich in history and culture. This position provides ample opportunity to travel to Europe, India, Africa, and areas of Asia, as well as a unique opportunity to travel freely throughout the Middle East.
About KAUST Technology Transfer
KAUST vision is to be the world’s leading model of university technology transfer by 2020. Since it opened its doors in 2009, the goal has been to build a team of the best and brightest from all corners of the world. Under the leadership of the new University President, Jean-Lou Chameau, PhD, former President the California Institute of Technology, there is commitment to technology transfer and technology based economic development throughout the region through licensing, startups and industry partnership.
KAUST is one of the world’s first research universities to build an integrated economic development and technology commercialization program designed around the principles of open innovation.
Position Summary
This person will lead the KAUST Innovation Ecosystem, comprised of partner universities and companies and the MENA regional innovation network. KAUST is looking for someone to lead its technology transfer and innovation efforts who can:
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Provide Experience and Expertise – University technology transfer, economic development and industry licensing experience are desired. Preference given to physical sciences as opposed to life science expertise.
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Be a model – Prove that university research can deliver new products for existing companies and be the basis for forming new companies in the Kingdom. Extensive technology based economic development is preferred.
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Be a catalyst – Share the approach with others and validate the model with many technologies and companies.
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Focus on what people can do now – Find ways to help start and grow technology-based businesses in the Kingdom today.
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Be a technology magnet – Attract major corporations and entrepreneurs to locate their R&D facilities and businesses at KAUST.
About King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) (http://www.kaust.edu.sa/)
Here is a short video from the opening of KAUST http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feQhEV9ijX8
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is an international, graduate level university committed to advancing science and technology through transdisciplinary research, education, and innovation. The University’s unique matrix structure supports both basic and goal-oriented research in the globally significant areas of energy, water, food, and environment to benefit Saudi Arabia and beyond.
About The Vortechs Group
The Vortechs Group has been retained by KAUST to fill this critical leadership position. The Vortechs Group finds and places high-performance candidates with expertise in the areas of technology transfer, sponsored research, technology based economic development, for renowned research organizations around the world. Our clients include Howard Hughes Medical Institute – Janelia Farms Research Campus, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oregon Health & Science University, Argonne National Laboratory, Addgene, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, UCLA, and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
How to apply – Please send you resume cover letter and deal sheet to glen@vortechsgroup.com
