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 the development of digital technologies? Are you interested in connecting CERN’s scientific research with industrial opportunities? 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 the digital domain, 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 & Entrepreneurship Section, you will initiate and manage technology partnerships with industrial and non-commercial entities. As an expert in engaging industry and building multidisciplinary projects, your activities explore synergies between software engineering, data science and industrial controls as used at CERN for applications in domains outside high energy physics.

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

Functions

As Knowledge Transfer Officer, you will:

• Scout CERN Departments to identify know-how and technologies in particular in the digital and data science domain, with potential to be applied in fields beyond particle physics;
• Assess the potential societal impact of technologies and propose the most appropriate dissemination strategies together with the CERN experts;
• Promote CERN’s technologies to external partners from both Member and Associate Member States, as well as beyond;
• Develop partnerships with industry and institutes leveraging the vast CERN portfolio of (mainly) open source software for applications beyond high energy physics;
• Scout for and secure funding for collaborative R&D projects through industry and/or via application and participation in EC funding programs;
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, including industry, academia and CERN spin-off companies, leading to technical and contractual relationships;
• Support execution of software due diligence and support the negotiation and follow up of knowledge transfer agreements (collaborative R&D, licences, etc.).

Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of CERN’s technical domains related to software engineering, data sciences, artificial intelligence, industrial controls or robotics or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience in the following:

• 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;
• Managing Open Source software projects or collaborations;
• Software licensing and due diligence.

Desirable experience in the following:

• Experience with participation or coordination of EC funded projects;
• Experience working in scientific institutes.

Technical competencies:

• Intellectual Property Management: identifying and managing the Organization’s intellectual property assets, due diligence analysis, knowledge of open source as well as proprietary IP concepts;
• Knowledge and technology promotion, marketing and commercialization, specifically related to (products enabled by) software;
• Knowledge transfer processes and tools: scouting and identifying new opportunities for transfers, managing projects funded by third parties or internal funding, legal tools (NDA, licence, collaboration), financial follow-up;
• Managing Industry Partnerships: managing and following up with industrial contacts, establishment of 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: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; actively participating in the implementation of new processes and technologies.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting; taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• 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:

• Fluent English: ability to understand and speak English in professional contexts as well as the ability to draft texts for publications and/or official communications and to 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. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than September 15, 2024 by 23:59.

Employment Conditions

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

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: IPT-KT-BD-2024-116-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Knowledge Transfer Professional