Graphene Flagship - Head of Innovation

Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, is one of the most amazing and versatile substances available to mankind. It is the lightest and thinnest compound known, yet remarkably strong, transparent, yet electrically conducting and impermeable to even the smallest molecules.

The largest EU research initiative ever, the Graphene Flagship, led by Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden was started to coordinate the research and innovation around this substance. Its task? Bring academic and industrial researchers together in order to take graphene from the realm of academia to European society in the space of ten years, thus generating economic growth, new jobs and new opportunities.



Description
The Graphene Flagship is a ten year, 1,000,000,000€ undertaking that gathers Europe’s leading academic and industrial partners to create new disruptive technologies based on graphene and related materials. It covers several innovation areas and completes value chains from materials technologies to components and system integration.

As Head of Innovation you will create possibilities and incentives to make this happen, including structures for Intellectual Asset (IA) and Intellectual Property (IP) management that make researchers’ lives easier and help the Graphene Flagship reach its goals.

You won´t have to start from scratch: the Graphene Flagship organization has begun working and has already created a toolbox of goals, signed agreements and utilization strategies, as well as secured a budget to create innovative interactions between academic and industrial researchers. You will execute on these, and be part of the team shaping the next phase of strategies and work packages.

The position requires close interaction with a wide range of stakeholders within and outside of the Graphene Flagship including large and small companies, academic researchers and the European Commission. Of particular importance is the team Work Package Innovation located in Sweden, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Qualifications
Besides fulfilling the position’s formal qualifications you have excellent understanding of incentives and challenges for academic researchers and industrial partners. Further, you have the ability to navigate and create innovation in both worlds.

You show great integrity and create trust, can communicate clearly and engagingly, and create structures for IA and IP management that accelerate the innovation work of Flagship partners.

Formal qualifications:
• Relevant academic education, preferably on doctoral level.
• Experience from academy and industry and collaborations between the two.
• Experience from working in an international setting.
• Broad experience with technological innovations, IA and IP management.
• Fluent spoken and written English, good ability to present results to international audiences.
• Leadership experience.
• Experience from negotiations with participants with different backgrounds.

Terms of employment 
The position is placed at Chalmers Industriteknik, a research institute which is an integral part of Chalmers University of Technology. The Head of Innovation is a member of the Graphene Flagship’s Management Panel and Executive Board, and reports to the Flagship Director. The position is expected to commence as soon as possible and on March 1st 2016 at the latest.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application deadline: September 1, 2015

Further information:
Professor Jari Kinaret,
Graphene Flagship Director,
jari.kinaret@chalmers.se,
+46 31 772 36 68

Dr Fredrik Hörstedt,
CEO, Chalmers Industriteknik,
fredrik.horstedt@chalmers.se,
+46 705 21 00 37. 

http://graphene-flagship.eu

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 





Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!