Job Title:                   Head (Robotics and Autonomous Systems)
Department:              Technology Transfer Center
Job ID:                       5297

Job Posting Details

In line with the strategic initiative of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to support innovations in robotics and autonomous systems that can benefit the society, the Technology Transfer Center (TTC) at HKUST is seeking a candidate to serve the position of Head (Robotics and Autonomous Systems). 

Reporting to the Director of Technology Transfer Center, the appointee will work closely with the Robotics Institute, Office of Knowledge Transfer, HKUST R and D Corporation Limited and Entrepreneurship Center. Key responsibilities include:

Lead and strategize commercialization/realization for HKUST’s research and knowledge transfer (KT) initiatives in the areas of robotics and autonomous systems and related disciplines

• Monitor and facilitate primary and emerging fields of research in the areas of robotics and autonomous systems and related disciplines within HKUST for early recognition of commercialization potential.
• Work closely with the Head (Intellectual Property Management) of TTC to set up commercialization strategy in the areas of robotics and autonomous systems and related disciplines.
• Lead and formulate strategy for the commercialization/realization for HKUST's major research and KT initiatives such as Robotics Institute, Industry Joint Research Institutes, Collaborative Innovation Center, and other related Labs & Centers as an initial effort.
• Lead the efforts in technology marketing including marketing channel development, marketing materials preparation and presentation.

Strategic Intellectual Property (IP) management

• Strategic management of HKUST's intellectual properties portfolio of HKUST in the areas of robotics and autonomous systems and related disciplines, including assessment of new invention disclosures, identifying technology commercialization opportunities and exploring potential to license out HKUST's IP.
• Report on the outputs and impacts of research projects, including preparation of business proposals and reports.

Relationship management with stakeholders

• Establish proactive working relationship with HKUST researchers and members of each project team to identify and develop university/industry collaboration and commercialization opportunities in the areas of robotics and autonomous systems and related disciplines.
• Advise IP protection and commercialization framework for collaboration projects with external parties.
• Establish strategic collaborations with industrial partners, government, private organizations, universities and research institutions, incubators and accelerators, etc.
• Link HKUST research community with industries.

Drive and strategize the entrepreneurial technology transfer efforts

• Enhance the significance of university IP through developing and managing HKUST gap funding, start-up and entrepreneurship support funding and programs, and help with the process of start-up incubation.
• Manage the entrepreneurial technology transfer efforts within HKUST.
• Support technology entrepreneurship and start-up formation by providing mentorship and assistance to start-up teams.
• Link up HKUST start-ups with industrial collaborators and investors; and stimulating an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Upsurge the vision of HKUST members to form technology startups using HKUST IPs.

The ideal candidate should possess the following attributes:

• Applicants should have an advanced degree and research experience related to robotics and autonomous systems, such as electronic engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering or related discipline, preferably with PhD;
• Extensive technical and business exposures in technology companies or institutions;
• Proven records of business development and deal completion (from initial stages to the successful closure of the deal);
• Track records of advising successful transformation of innovation into value, by defining strategic direction and the protection of rights based on a broad, high-quality patent portfolio;
• Good knowledge of IP Management, market research, technology commercialization in particular with reference to University technologies, and the industrial and commercial environment in Hong Kong and the Mainland; with domain knowledge in the strategic R&D areas of robotics and autonomous systems;
• Ability to analyze competitive threats and business opportunities, strike the right balance between cost and protection and have a strong understanding of commercial issues and risk management;
• Experience in IP management, venture capital or startup incubation is a plus.
• Ability to demonstrate effective communication with professionals of diverse background within the industry, academia and government; fluency in English, Cantonese and Putonghua will be an advantage. (Duration: 2 years, renewable)

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits including annual leave, medical and dental benefits will be provided. A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.

Application Procedure

In support of a green work environment, we accept applications submitted online only. To apply, please complete an online application form through the HKUST Careers website (https://hkustcareers.ust.hk) and return it online to the Human Resources Office on or before Monday, 25 May 2020. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement by email upon successful submission. We thank applicants for their interest, but advise that only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the result of the application.