Job Description

CYENS Centre of Excellence is seeking to recruit a Head of Commercial Exploitation to lead the Centre's Commercial Exploitation Unit and drive the commercialisation of research, innovation services and industry engagement activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing the Centre's Commercialisation Strategy, strengthening partnerships with industry, government and the wider innovation ecosystem, supporting technology transfer and intellectual property exploitation, and generating sustainable commercial revenue. The role will oversee the Centre's commercial services and innovation infrastructure, contributing to CYENS' long-term sustainability and growth. Reporting to the General Director, the successful candidate will lead the Commercial Exploitation Unit, comprising the Software Development Team, Thinker Maker Space (TMS), Tech Hub, Partnerships & Business Development, Research Exploitation, and Communication & Outreach functions. 

 

Key requirements 

Essential Requirements / Desired  

• University Degree (Bachelor's Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Innovation Management, Engineering, Technology, Economics or another relevant discipline.  

• A postgraduate qualification will be considered an advantage.  

• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in commercialisation, business development, technology transfer, innovation management or a related senior leadership role.  

• Demonstrated experience in developing commercial strategies and generating business growth.  

• Proven experience developing and managing commercial partnerships with industry, government and other external stakeholders. 

• Experience in technology transfer, intellectual property management and/or commercialisation of research outcomes will be considered a strong advantage.  

• Experience working with research organisations, universities, innovation centres, start-ups or technology-driven organisations will be considered an advantage. 

• Strong leadership, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.  

• Computer literate.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.  

• For non-EU applicants, a valid work permit will be required. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

The successful candidate will be responsible for:  

• Providing strategic leadership and management of the Commercial Exploitation Unit.  

• Developing and implementing the Centre's Commercialisation Strategy.  

• Driving business development initiatives, commercial partnerships and revenue generation.  

• Expanding collaboration with industry, public sector organisations and other external stakeholders.  

• Leading technology transfer activities, including intellectual property management, licensing and commercialisation of research outcomes.  

• Supporting the creation, commercial development and growth of spin-offs and other commercial exploitation opportunities. 

• Overseeing the Centre's commercial services and innovation infrastructure, including the Software Development Team, Thinker Maker Space (TMS) and Tech Hub. 

• Providing strategic oversight of the Partnerships & Business Development, Research Exploitation, and Communication & Outreach functions. 

• Working closely with the Research, Finance, Operations and Communications teams to maximise the commercial impact of the Centre's expertise, technologies and services.  

• Promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and industry engagement initiatives.  

• Contributing to the Centre's sustainability through commercial growth and strategic exploitation of research outcomes. 

 

Skills and Competencies 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:  

• Strategic leadership with the ability to drive commercial growth and organisational impact.  
• Strong commercial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset.  
• Ability to identify and capitalise on commercial opportunities, delivering sustainable revenue growth and long-term value for the Centre. 
• Excellent business development, negotiation and relationship management skills.  
• Proven ability to lead, inspire and develop multidisciplinary teams.  
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective partnerships across industry, academia and the public sector.  
• Strong understanding of technology commercialisation, innovation ecosystems and translating research into commercial value.  
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and strategic decision-making skills.  
• Excellent organisational, communication and presentation skills.  
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and functions.  
• Results-oriented, proactive and adaptable, with high levels of professionalism, integrity and accountability. 

 

What CYENS Offers 

CYENS offers a dynamic, collaborative and international working environment where talented professionals contribute to cutting-edge research, innovation and technology with real societal and economic impact. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the Centre's commercialisation strategy, lead strategic commercial initiatives, and collaborate with leading researchers, industry partners, entrepreneurs and public sector organisations in Cyprus and internationally. CYENS also offers opportunities for continuous professional development, leadership growth and engagement within a vibrant research and innovation ecosystem. 

 

 

How to Apply

For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items to vacancies@cyens.org.cy  and clearly indicate the position title in their application: 

 

1. Full CV (including contact details). 

2. Cover letter outlining:  your suitability for the role;  your motivation for applying; and your earliest available start date. 

3. Contact details of two referees.  

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About Company

CYENS Centre of Excellence

CYENS (formerly known as RISE) is a research centre of excellence in Nicosia, Cyprus. CYENS CoE is a significant investment supported by the European Commission, the Republic of Cyprus and its founding Partners, the Municipality of Nicosia, Max Planck Institute, University College London, the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology and the Open University of Cyprus. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017 (Teaming Phase 2) under grant agreement No. 739578, as well as from the Cypriot Government, local and international partners, and other sponsors. The Centre conducts excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence delivered by high-calibre multidisciplinary research teams. CYENS engages in knowledge transfer and innovation activities aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and STEM-led innovation and entrepreneurship.