AssistantDeputy Director (Innovation Management and Compliance)

Applications are invited for appointment as Assistant/Deputy Director (Innovation Management and Compliance) in the Technology Transfer Office (Ref.: 533522) (to commence as soon as possible on a two-year fixed-term basis with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme totalling up to 15% of basic salary with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance)

The Role

HKU is committed to making a positive impact through innovative research that benefits communities and advances technology. The Assistant/Deputy Director (Innovation Management and Compliance) reporting to the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) or his/her delegate will play a vital role in advancing the Universitys research commercialisation efforts by evaluating inventions formulating commercialisation strategies developing intellectual property (IP) assets and ensuring regulatory and procedural compliance throughout the commercialisation lifecycle. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across various units and subsidiaries of the University including the Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) HKU Innovation Holdings Ltd. and University of Hong Kong Versitech Ltd. to foster a vibrant culture of innovation and entrepreneurship through strategic partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate invention disclosures assess their commercial potential and manage the IP portfolio to safeguard innovations and support effective commercialisation;
• Collaborate closely with researchers and innovators to create a supportive ecosystem that encourages invention disclosure protects IP rights and promotes the commercialisation of research outputs;
• Develop and implement comprehensive policies and procedures to identify evaluate and commercialise innovations from the University and its subsidiaries overseeing the entire process - from invention assessment to licensing and spin-off development - in alignment with university policies;
• Lead negotiations and execution of complex agreements including licensing arrangements and inter-institutional collaborations within and beyond Hong Kong;
• Cultivate high-level partnerships with industry government and other stakeholders to establish strategic alliances and attract investment opportunities; and
• Proactively promote the universitys technology portfolio to industry leaders investors and venture capitalists to facilitate commercialisation and partnership opportunities.

Qualifications and Qualities

Applicants should:

• Possess a Masters or PhD in a scientific or engineering discipline. Equivalent professional qualification in Intellectual Property Management or Law will also be considered;
• Have at least 10 years of post-qualification work experience in technology transfer intellectual property management and licensing gained within an academic industrial or legal setting;
• Possess a proven track record of successfully licensing technologies negotiating complex agreements and fostering industry collaborations of Mainland China and overseas projects;
• Demonstrate strong leadership analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• Exhibit excellent organisational and interpersonal skills;
• Fluency in both Chinese (including Putonghua) and English;
• Capable of working effectively under pressure; and
• Maintain a results-oriented mindset and a proactive approach to achieving goals.

What We Offer

A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.

How to Apply

The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply onlineand upload an up-to-date of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until November 21 2025 or until the post is filled whichever is earlier.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality ethics inclusivity diversity and transparency.