Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade 16: $73,520 - $86,500, commensurate with experience.

About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

The Western Technology Transfer Office is the Business Development arm of Western University, Robarts Research Institute and the London Hospitals’ Research Institutes. The business unit serves as the exclusive advocate and agent for promising commercial and technology transfer opportunities derived from London’s extensive research portfolio.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of the Western Technology Transfer Office (WTTO), the Business Development Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing the commercialization of intellectual property in the Life Sciences, including those generated by Western and the London Hospitals’ Research Institutes. The position leads strategic commercialization initiatives in close collaboration with key stakeholders, including the WTTO Director, the AVP of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, the Vice President of Research, and executive leaders from affiliated institutions and the local community. The role builds and maintains strong relationships with researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and other partners to identify and advance promising commercialization opportunities. The Manager’s primary focus is to foster technology transfer, strengthen industry partnerships, and move research innovations from discovery to market impact.

The Business Development Manager leads the development and execution of strategies to advance the commercialization of intellectual property. This includes evaluating new technologies, overseeing protection and marketing efforts, and fostering strategic partnerships. Negotiating terms for licenses, research and development agreements, and confidentiality agreements is a key part of the role, as is identifying funding opportunities for prototype development and supporting the creation of spin-off companies through business planning and market research.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s Degree in a Science related field (such as Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Life Sciences, Statistical & Actuarial Science, etc.)
• PhD in a Life Sciences related field is preferred
• Business education (e.g. HBA, MBA) or equivalent business experience would be an asset

Experience:

• 5 years of business development experience, with research and technology transfer initiatives and in negotiating business arrangements in the private sector or industry
• Working experience in an academic environment with liaison between university and industry is preferred
• Experience in patenting, licensing and start-up companies (business planning, financing, managing) would be an asset
• Working experience in commercialization of innovations in the life sciences field preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Technical knowledge in a Life Sciences related field
• In-depth knowledge of relevant business practices, intellectual property management and protection, including copyrights and patents
• Ability and willingness to stay abreast of developments in the field of technology transfer, commercialization, entrepreneurship and knowledge mobilization
• In-depth knowledge of the regulations and guidelines governing research in an academic environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and confidence dealing with all levels of an organization
• Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
• Strong customer service skills to resolve inquiries and issues in a professional and timely manner
• Ability to maintain and develop an effective network of contacts that provide information regarding emergent opportunities and best practices
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading abilities
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to the organization's strategy and goals
• Ambitious with the ability to identify opportunities, develop action plans and set challenging goals to achieve desired outcomes
• Ability to evaluate issues, recognize potential problems and act to proactively resolve issues
• Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

Interested applicants are asked to visit: https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #40982 by 11:59PM on November 12, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.