Director of Technology Transfer Office

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Glasgow is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to become the first Director of its Technology Transfer Office (TTO). This newly established role is central to the University’s long-term commitment to innovation, commercialization, and economic development.

As Director, you will:

Lead the commercialization of research outputs, including intellectual property management, licensing, and spin-out creation.

Build strong partnerships with industry, investors, and funding bodies to maximize commercial and societal impact.

Provide strategic leadership to our Intellectual Property & Commercialization team.

Work closely with academics, enterprise and economic development teams, legal, procurement, and external stakeholders.

Drive improvements in innovation metrics such as disclosures, licensing income, and the creation of successful spin-outs.

Embed best practices, processes, and a culture of service excellence to accelerate opportunities from research to venture creation.

Reporting directly to the Vice Principal of Innovation and Economic Development, you will play a key role in embedding a sustainable, long-term approach to innovation at a pivotal time for the University.

About You

We are looking for an experienced leader with:

Significant senior-level experience in commercializing intellectual property within a university or research environment.

A strong track record in creating and growing spin-out companies, maximizing licensing opportunities, and delivering successful venture creation.

Demonstrated ability to design and implement incubation programmes aligned with target industry sectors.

Deep understanding of corporate and investor requirements related to IP commercialization.

Expert knowledge of the legal, financial, and regulatory frameworks that underpin commercialization activity.

Personal attributes such as vision, collaboration, and the ability to inspire innovation across the institution will be critical to success in this role.

How to Apply

This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of innovation and entrepreneurship at one of the UK’s leading research universities.