The Cyprus Institute (CyI) is a non-profit research and educational institution with a strong scientific and technological orientation, emphasizing international collaborations, cross-disciplinary research, innovation, and post graduate education. CyI, through its established research centres, addresses challenging issues that are important at both the regional and international levels. Many of its research activities are being carried out in partnership with leading institutions in the respective thematic areas.

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Office (IEO) has recently been established at the CyI with the aim to boost the innovation-oriented activities and outcomes and improve the role of the Institute in the transition of Cyprus towards a knowledge economy model. It has been structured around five interconnected processes: (i) Internal innovation and entrepreneurial discovery; (ii) IPR protection and exploitation; (iii) New venture generation; (iv) Attraction of innovation projects and early-stage companies; (v) Promotion and management of an innovation community.

The IEO is also pursuing the access to the relevant funding opportunities for innovation in the local, European and global landscape.

The CyI invites applications for an Innovation Coordinator position. Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Office, the successful candidate will take responsibility for coordinating and contributing in the implementation of the above-mentioned innovation processes, with a full engagement in the strategic development of the innovation goals of the Institute. The successful candidate will actively promote innovation activities and projects, develop opportunities of knowledge exploitation, contribute to the engagement of the CyI in the national and international innovation ecosystem.

The appointment will be on a fixed term appointment, full-time basis, with the prospect of renewal depending on performance. An attractive remuneration package commensurate to the candidate's qualifications and level of experience will be offered to the selected candidate.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be carrying out the following activities: 

1. Contributing in the scouting and qualification of innovation ideas and opportunities within the CyI.
2. Contributing in the evaluation of potential IP, the drafting of IP applications and coordinating the interaction with the consultants and the patent offices.
3. Supporting the teams engaged in innovation projects, especially in the appropriate business and market orientation.
4. Supporting the establishment of new spin-off ventures.
5. Promoting the collaboration of the institute with innovative companies and organizations.
6. Contributing in the identification and negotiation of knowledge transfer opportunities.
7. Promoting the innovation culture within the Institute.
8. Identifying funding opportunities (from various funding sources including EU, Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation, impact finance organizations, World Bank, UN).
9. Aiding in the development and writing of project proposals.
10. Participating in the planning and coordination of the activities of the IEO.
11. Executing project administration/coordination activities (timing, financial reporting, deliverables, communication with funding organizations).

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience

1. Master degree in Innovation and/or Business-related fields. Alternatively - for candidates holding a master degree in other disciplines - post-graduate qualification in innovation and business-related fields will be required (i.e. MBA degree or other equivalent qualification in innovation/business management, or one additional year of documented experience in innovation management
2. Three years of experience in innovation management in research, academic or private organizations.
3. Excellent knowledge of oral and written English.
4. Strong technical and business writing skills.
5. High level of communication and interpersonal skills.
6. High level organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
7. Ability to multitask and change priorities with limited supervision.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

Experience in:

1. Team building, coaching and management.
2. Innovation community management.
3. Project management.
4. Proposal writing and management for competitive funding.
5. Presenting to medium and large audiences.
6. Delivering formal and informal training in innovation management.

Application

For full consideration, interested applicants should process their application at The Cyprus Institute JobBoard (http://jobboard.cyi.ac.cy/) based on the instructions given. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae including a letter of interest and a list of three references (including contact information). All documentation should be in English and in PDF Format. For further information, please contact Fabio Maria Montagnino (head.innovation@cyi.ac.cy). Please note that applications which do not follow the announcement’s guidelines will not be considered.

Recruitment will continue until the positions are filled. 

Contact person: Fabio Maria Montagnino

Reference number: CYI_IC_20_05