INNOVATION MANAGER IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE, MOLECULAR IMAGING AND RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH (Leuven)

The goal of Industrial Research Fund (lOF) at KU Leuven, is to accelerate the transfer of knowledge and innovations arising from strategic basic research to the market. A team of more than 40 experienced Innovation Managers, embedded within research groups throughout the University and University Hospital, achieve this goal primarily by establishing mutually beneficial, collaborative relationships with a broad range of external partners in industry, academia, as well as national and regional public-private organizations. For MIRACLE, the Molecular Imaging Research Activity Center Leuven, a consortium between Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, and Radiopharmaceutical research, we are recruiting an Innovation Manager. With a portfolio of over 60 PET tracers and several radionuclide therapy ligands, a large radiopharmaceutical development chain and state-of-the-art GMP production facility for both academic and contract research as well as routine clinical productions for other centers, a planned extension with a second facility is in execution phase (IMAGINATION project). A complete preclinical and human clinical imaging facility (including animal and human PET/MR and PET/CT systems) is available. The goals of the MIRACLE consortium is to develop, produce and validate radiopharmaceuticals as translational imaging biomarkers and theranostics. The Innovation Manager will mainly focus on facilitating and substantially increasing the valorization output by 1) enhancing the visibility and outreach activities of MIRACLE towards industrial partners, in particular pharmaceutical industry and biotech, 2) detecting potential valorization opportunities and implement a customized valorization strategy together with the consortium members, and 3) attracting additional funding through collaborative networking with (inter)national top sites in the field and projects at the national, EU and further international level (e.g. NIH).

• Efficient and effective valorization of MIRACLE’s research output for tracer development, image processing and clinical studies (through patents, licensing deals and spin-offs, in consultation with KU Leuven Research and Development).
• Initiating and negotiating bilateral collaborative agreements and projects with national and international industrial partners.
• The initiation, preparation and (project) management of research proposals, each with a clear valorization plan that integrates the scientific goals with potential applications e.g. EIT Health innovation projects.
• Supporting the individual researchers and interdisciplinary teams towards valorization trajectories and management of infrastructural resource and project planning, from radioligand production to imaging applications.
• Expanding MIRACLE’s network of external contacts (industry, research institutes, national and regional government organizations) and acting as the principal point of contact for partner organizations. Active marketing of biomedical radioligand applications and fee-for-service research.
• Promoting the research and valorization programme at conferences, networking meetings and on-site company visits.
• Provide updates on ongoing valorization activities and potential new opportunities to the MIRACLE Scientific Board.

• A PhD degree or minimum 5 years of research experience in biomedical sciences, in particular imaging or pharmacy/pharmacology. Experience in the use and management of radiopharmaceuticals for research, biomarker/diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes, is an asset.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with some experience in business development and valorization.
• Minimally a basic knowledge of intellectual property rights, technology transfer, patent applications and spin-off mechanisms, as well as regulatory guidelines, in particular for radiopharmaceuticals as medicinal products, and willingness to further develop in this area.
• Experience working in large academic and industrial consortia in the healthcare or life science sectors, ideally with knowledge and experience in the management of a broad research portfolio. Having a pre-existing network in the field of the application is an asset.
• Experience in writing grant applications (e.g., FWO; EU-H2020) and good knowledge of the national and international funding landscape.
• Strong organizational skills (managing meetings, follow-up of contacts, ability to meet deadlines).
• Excellent communication, networking and negotiation skills, team player.
• Fluent in English (both spoken and written). Fluency in Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch is an asset.

An exciting and challenging job, focused on continuous innovation and development in a transdisciplinary and international context. We offer a permanent position as Innovation Manager of the Industrial Research Fund (IOF) at KU Leuven, a world famous university.

For more information please contact Mr. Sammy Brié, tel.: +32 16 37 37 24, mail: sammy.brie@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Koen Van Laere, tel.: +3216343711, mail: koen.vanlaere@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.