The Senior Innovation Manager (SIM) is a mid-senior position in the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) that focuses the commercialization of University of Calgary research and the promotion of societal impacts in the life and medical sciences space. The SIM position builds on the responsibilities of Innovation Manager (IM), with greater degree of autonomy in terms of managing files, negotiation with potential partners and licensees, as well as participation in more strategic activities. The SIM will be responsible for managing some of the more demanding portfolio components in the Life & Medical Sciences TTO team with a greater degree of autonomy and self-regulation. They will also provide support to the TTO leadership team and participate in the planning of the Life & Medical Sciences TTO team’s activities. The SIM is also expected to be a mentor to more junior colleagues. This SIM will report to the Director, Life & Medical Sciences, Technology Transfer.
Key Accountabilities: Support Innovate Calgary’s mandate of excellence in technology commercialization
Work closely with the Commercialization and Disclosure Office at the University of Calgary to ensure faculty members and the University meet their goals and priorities
Identify new inventions derived from research executed at the University of Calgary by proactively sourcing leads from recently awarded grants, attending research seminars and events, and maintaining relationships with faculty members, students and post-docs
Perform assessments of patentability, market potential, and overall commercial potential
Meet with investigators/researchers as needed to evaluate and define strategy for the commercialization of inventions
Design and initiate commercialization strategies for each technology in the portfolio
Develop marketing strategies and conduct market analysis for technologies in the portfolio




Develop intellectual property protection strategies and manage ongoing prosecution of intellectual property in a timely and cost-effective manner
Identify and initiate contact with potential licensees
Negotiate and close license and equity agreements with industry partners and University startup companies with a high degree of autonomy, but in collaboration with TTO leadership
Maintain and efficiently utilize all aspects of a technology and intellectual property project management database for each technology in the portfolio
Provide training and mentorship to junior colleagues in the TTO
Make recommendations to TTO leadership
Participating in developmental projects for the TTO in order to improve team performance
Participate in Innovate Calgary strategic projects which necessitate TTO involvement (UCEED, ElevateIP and the like)
Support TTO leadership with ideas for programming and activities to drive TTO metrics
Support UCalgary faculty members with grant writing for IP related grant applications
Deliver workshops and seminars to UCalgary and external community
Attend and participate in events and panels as an expert in IP
Attend Innovate Calgary Office hours at different locations on UCalgary campus
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Personal Characteristics: Robust business judgement and market evaluation skills
Exceptional analytical abilities with an entrepreneurial mindset
Ability to embrace working in a service organization and the requirement to be responsive and deliver output in a timely manner
Ability to demonstrate initiative and exercise independent judgment




Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in an evolving environment with multiple stakeholders
Excellent oral and written skills, specifically in communicating key metrics and data sets
Keen attitude and willingness to explore outside of the Senior Innovation Manager’s area of expertise
Ability to work with and organize large volumes of data and manage concurrent projects
Outstanding time management skills and high attention to detail
Excellent ability to prioritize projects
Skills & Qualifications: MSc or Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences discipline AND
Minimum of three years of experience in the field of technology transfer and commercialization, innovation, or related industry experience
OR, An advanced degree in another scientific field AND
Six years of experience in the field of technology transfer and commercialization, innovation, or related industry experience.
In addition to the above combinations of education and experience:
Demonstrated experience in negotiating and closing large-scale licensing deals and/or research partnership agreements with the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy
Familiarity with CDN and US Patent law and managing a patent portfolio
Influential communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) and client-relationship management skills
Excellent negotiation skills in technology transfer, including an understanding of technology royalty rates, exclusivity, and field of use restrictions
Experience working with University spin-out companies is considered an asset
Excellent financial management skills with demonstrated ability to manage projects within budgetary restrictions
This role is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is considered hybrid. Our hybrid work arrangement required employees to work in the office 3 or more days per week, and from home up to 2 days per week.

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📌 Senior Innovation Manager (Alberta)
🏢 Innovate Calgary
📍 Alberta