Innovation Development Executive (Institute for Energy Systems and IDCORE Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Renewable Energy)

Position Title: Innovation Development Executive – Institute for Energy Systems & the IDCORE Centre for Doctoral Training

Grade: EI Grade 8 (£47,472 – £57,573)

Duration: Open-ended, full time

IDCORE – EPSRC Industrial Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Offshore Renewable Energy

Edinburgh Innovations is seeking a Innovation Development Executive. The focus of this role is the development of innovation development activities for the School of Engineering’s Institute for Energy Systems and developing opportunities for the IDCORE CDT via:

• Industry sponsored PhD’s
• Industrial and translational collaborative research opportunities
• Identifying opportunities for academics to collaborate with industry
• Engaging with academics across IES to gain a clear understanding of their research interests and potential opportunities for industry engagement and commercialisation

This is a diverse and challenging role requiring a confident and motivated individual with experience in higher education, industrial engagement and research funding opportunities.

About the Institute for Energy Systems

The Institute for Energy Systems, IES, is one of seven multi-disciplinary research institutes within the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. Led by Professor Alasdair McDonald there are seven integrated research areas involving 26 academic staff, 28 research staff and around 70 postgraduate students.

Research in the Institute for Energy Systems (IES) delivers world leading research in low carbon energy systems, technology and policy.

Within IES we have academic expertise in resource modelling and measurement, hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electromagnetics, power electronics, control, power systems analysis and life-cycle analysis.

IES has developed unique world class test facilities for wave and tidal energy, in particular the FloWave Combined Wave and Current Test Tank.

Staff play a central role in marine renewable research at both a national and international level. It hosted the EPSRC-funded SuperGen UK Centre for Marine Energy Research, and is founder and chair of the Ocean Energy Group within the European Energy Research Alliance.

About the IDCORE CDT

IDCORE is an Industry-based Doctoral Training Centre, training 50 EngD (Engineering Doctorate) students in Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE), with 5 intakes from 2024 to 2028. IDCORE has been running as a training centre since 2012 and so far, has already recruited and trained over 100 Offshore Renewable Engineers. We were delighted to be awarded further funding to continue our proven track record: training a further cohort of highly skilled engineers to help grow this critical industry.

IDCORE has been a collaborative partnership between the University of Edinburgh, University of Exeter, University of Strathclyde and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). From 2024, for this new iteration of IDCORE, we are honoured that Swansea University is joining the collaboration. All 5 institutions bring together renowned academic expertise in Offshore Renewable Energy and world class research facilities.

Role Focus

The post holder is expected to be visible, have a passion for engagement and above all, driven to see our renewable energy research aspirations become a reality. Below are some of the core focus areas of the role.

1. Partnership strategy: Develop and implement partnership strategy to enhance partnership and identify new collaborators in focus areas.
2. Industry Engagement: Secure research projects for PhD cohort year on year. Build on existing relationships by managing key industry partnerships.
3. CDT Outreach & Promotion: Represent the CDT at events and conferences
4. Commercialisation:  Support development research commercialisation via licensing and company formation/entrepreneurship.

Role Description:

Further details can be accessed via the link below

https://uoe.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/jobdescriptionlibrary/EVTtG2miwwhNuMaxjWEoptUBEW3qKes26Oad8f_hFLedqQ

Requirements:

Essential:

• Degree or Tertiary level qualification in relevant scientific area or proven career experience in energy or engineering sectors
• Track record in proactive opportunity generation leading to increased revenue
• Demonstrable knowledge of research and applications within energy and engineering
• Business Development and/or commercial experience, ideally in both industry and academic organisations in the relevant sectors
• Experience of working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to manage projects and deliver commercial outcomes
• Experience in reviewing and negotiating contracts and managing projects
• Account and client relationship management experience
• Highly developed communication skills, both written and verbal

Desirable:

• PhD qualified in energy or engineering
• Experience of Higher Education sector and understanding of universities as complex public-sector organisations
• Experience of working in knowledge exchange and commercialisation
• Excellent influencing skills and ability to network with both academia and industry
• Knowledge and experience of intellectual property protection and exploitation

Working Dynamic

The post-holder will report to the Innovation Development Manager for the School of Engineering and will work closely with the CDT Director and the CDT Manager. The role will sit within Edinburgh Innovations and the School of Engineering. Edinburgh Innovations will provide relevant training and support to the post holder.

Benefits

As a valued member of our team you can expect:

• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work
• A competitive reward package with annual bonus reviews based on performance
• A generous 40 days of combined annual leave and public holidays entitlement
• A competitive work package including defined contribution pension scheme (currently 4.5% employee and 14.5% employer contribution rates), family friendly initiatives, flexible working and much more
• Support to nurture your talent and reward success

Locations and Hybrid working

This role will benefit from having a physical presence across the University of Edinburgh’s Kings Buildings Campus. To establish good relationships and networks we expect the post holder to spend a minimum of three days per week on campus. This appointment will require an individual who thrives on developing personal relationships and working toward a collective goal. Hybrid working is supported where the post holder can demonstrate their ability to function effectively and productively in the role.

Applicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the U.K. without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided.

Closing date for applications: tbc

Interviews are expected to be held on the weeks commencing tbc

If invited for interview you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab).