The Business Development Officer, WORLDiscoveries Asia (WD Asia) will support the development and implementation of strategies to build and expand a network of business clients among University Technology Transfer Offices (TTO), research institutions, and hi-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) across Ontario and Canada, with an aim for WD Asia to represent and promote a robust portfolio of Canadian innovation projects and technologies in Asia for potential partnerships with Asian industry and investment community. In collaboration with the Director, WD Asia, the incumbent will seek out business opportunities and maintain relationships with Canadian organizations who have an interest in pursuing research and development based partnerships and gaining access to the local markets in Asia.

Building upon years of successes and track record of WD Asia, the incumbent will help deliver successful Canada-Asia research and development partnerships which will not only bring an increased revenue flow to WORLDiscoveries and Western, but also further enhance the brand and reputation of WORLDiscoveries as Canada’s leader in global technology transfer and commercialization.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Science related discipline
• Master’s degree in a Science related discipline is preferred
• Business education (eg. HBA, MBA) or equivalent business experience is preferred

Experience:

• 2 years related experience in a business office environment
• Working experience with technology transfer initiatives and/or business development experience is preferred
• Experience managing client relationships is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Technical knowledge in a Science related field
• Knowledge of intellectual property management, including copyrights and patents
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of developments in the field of technology transfer, commercialization, entrepreneurship and knowledge mobilization
• Verbal communication skills to translate information into easily understood terms, summarize information, and provide a rationale for action
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Customer service skills to understand customer needs and expectations, with a desire to deliver helpful and reliable service to the University community
• Ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
• Professional manner, tact, diplomacy and discretion in dealing with associates and colleagues including senior management
• Ambitious with the ability to identify opportunities, develop action plans and set challenging goals in order to achieve desired outcomes
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders
• Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments that are accurate and thorough, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities
• Ability to identify opportunities for improvement, while being open to trying new ideas and working methods
• Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• In-depth knowledge of best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposal
• Knowledge of the Canadian peer-review granting systems, processes and procedures
• Familiarity with University policies and procedures preferred

Interested applicants are asked to visit: https://recruit.uwo.ca to apply online to job reference #22008, by midnight on May 5, 2021.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwo.ca or phone 519-661-2194.

Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per week: 35
Salary Grade: 14
Please note, this is a temporary full-time contract, with an expected end date of September 3, 2022 to cover a leave of absence. Remote work is currently in effect, this role will be located in Toronto when public health conditions permit. Residency in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is a requirement.

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.

About Us

WORLDiscoveries® activities are tied very closely to the mandate of its partner institutions -Western University, Robarts Research Institute and the Lawson Health Research Institute. The unit serves as the exclusive business advocate and agent for promising commercial and technology transfer opportunities derived from London’s extensive research portfolio along with other Canadian organizations that utilize the services of WORLDiscoveries Asia.