Knowledge Transfer Officer (IPT-KT-BD-2025-35-LD)

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern

Job Description

Introduction

Are you enthusiastic about connecting scientific research with industrial opportunities? Are you interested in optimising methods and processes for knowledge transfer and innovation? Would you be passionate about fostering the application of CERN’s know-how to societal applications? Take part and contribute to promoting innovation, collaboration and technology transfer, in alignment with CERN's research and expertise.

You will join the Knowledge Transfer (KT) Group, which is in charge of identifying and realizing opportunities for CERN's know-how to be applied in fields other than particle physics. We aim to maximize the impact of CERN technologies and expertise on society, in particular through industry.

Within the Business Development Section, you will initiate and manage technology partnerships with industrial and non-commercial entities. As an expert in creating public-private partnerships and building multidisciplinary projects, your activities explore synergies between CERN’s technologies and domains outside high energy physics, such as in healthcare.

Building on your experience in business and innovation management, you will participate in the review of the group’s processes and manage the introduction of software tools that support the group’s activities.

You will also contribute to other activities of the group, including the management of a technology portfolio, and taking responsibility for key accounts.

Functions

As Knowledge Transfer Officer in the Business Development & Entrepreneurship Section you will:

• Scout CERN departments to identify know-how and technologies with potential to be applied beyond particle physics;
• Assess the potential societal impact of technologies and propose the most appropriate dissemination strategies;
• Promote CERN’s technologies to external partners from both Member and Associate Member States, as well as beyond;
• Contribute to the development of new communication and marketing initiatives (such as promotional events, interdisciplinary workshops, etc.);
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, including industry, academia and CERN spin-off companies, leading to technical and contractual relationships;
• Scout for and secure funding for collaborative R&D projects through industry and/or via application and participation in EC funding programs; 
• Structure, negotiate and follow up knowledge transfer agreements (collaborative R&D, licences, etc.).

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of CERN's technical domains preferably complemented by higher education in business, innovation, technology transfer, or a related field.

Experience:

• Business development and creation of industrial partnerships in high-tech environments;
• Innovation management in industry, involving complex technology partnerships, such as collaborative R&D, consultancy, technology licensing, and/or open innovation;
• Managing projects with many stakeholders internally and externally;
• Contract negotiation;
• Experience in healthcare, and/or accelerator technologies would be considered an asset.

Technical competencies:

• Intellectual Property Management: identifying and managing the Organization's intellectual property assets, due diligence analysis, and knowledge of IP concepts;
• Knowledge and technology promotion, marketing, and commercialization
• Knowledge transfer processes and tools: scouting and identifying new opportunities for transfers, managing projects funded by third parties or internal funding, legal tools (NDA, license, collaboration), financial follow-up;
• Managing Industry Partnerships: managing and following up with industrial contacts, and establishing strategic partnerships for knowledge transfer.

Behavioural competencies:

• Communicating Effectively:
  • Expressing opinions, ideas, and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point,
  • Ensuring that information, procedures, and decisions are appropriately documented,
• Demonstrating Flexibility:
  • Demonstrating a willingness to accept changing circumstances; supporting initiatives for change,
  • Instigating and promoting change as an opportunity for organizational development,
• Learning and Sharing Knowledge:
  • Sharing knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaching others to ensure knowledge transfer
• Working in Teams:
  • Building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships,
  • Gaining trust and collaboration from others.

Language skills:

Spoken and written English (level C1 min): ability to understand and speak English in professional contexts, draft texts for publications and/or official communications, and make oral presentations.

The knowledge of additional Member or Associate Member State languages would be an advantage.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 22.03.2025 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IPT-KT-BD-2025-35-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Knowledge Transfer Professional

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