Head of Regional Commercialisation Programmes

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Job Description - Head of Regional Commercialisation Programmes ()

Job Description

Head of Regional Commercialisation Programmes ( Job Number: )

Research and Innovation Services

Fixed Term - Full Time

Contract Duration : This contract has a fixed end date of 30th April 2030 with the possibility of extension subject to funding

Working Arrangements : Hybrid working arrangements available with a mix of on site (minimum 2 days) and home based working

Closing Date Closing Date : 14-Jul-2025, 10:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement : Not Applicable.

For a conversation about the role or any further information please contact Richard Baker, Director of Economic Development, Commercialisation and Policy .

Background; Strategic Research Commercialisation in the North East

Since 2018, the five North East universities have worked increasingly closely to build a strong collaboration to commercialise our research through the creation of high-growth businesses. Since launching the Northern Accelerator programme, 54 spinouts have been created, catalysing new investment and jobs.

Supported by Research England's CCF-RED fund with £8.9m in funding over a five year period, the Strategic Commercialisation Eco-system North East (SCENE) programme represents an exciting next phase in our regional collaboration with the aim of wrapping new activities around and into Northern Accelerator to strengthen our support for the spin out process, and building new services and activities to extend successful research commercialisation in new areas, such as licensing and commercial partnerships.

Underpinning these propositions is the creation and development of a structured and connected ecosystem around University research commercialisation, drawing together partnerships with business, investors and institutions to drive a sustainable step-change in our impact.

Through the delivery of seven workstreams over a five year programme, SCENE will:

• Strengthen and expand the region's ecosystem, engaging businesses, sector bodies, Catapults and investors more actively in commercialising university research;
• Expand the pipeline of high-quality, investible new spinouts;
• Support growth for existing spinouts, helping secure them for the long-term;
• Increase adoption of university IP by businesses of all sizes in strategic sectors;
• Attract new UK and international investment into the formation and growth of research-led businesses; and
• Enhance structures, systems and leadership to support regional commercialisation ambitions.

SCENE is led by Durham University and involves as key partners the other four North East Higher Education institutions - Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside - who come together through Universities for North East England (UNEE).

SCENE is also supported by a number of strategic partners - our two Combined Authorities in the North East and Tees Valley, Catapults, Business Support organisations and key businesses as well as associated universities in York and Cumbria.

The Role and Department

Both the SCENE and Northern Accelerator programmes are led and hosted by Durham University on behalf of the North East universities. The Director of Economic Development, Commercialisation and Policy (the Director of EDCP) at Durham University is the Accountable Officer for the programmes and the lead sponsor on behalf of the Business and Innovation Group of UNEE.

The Role

The Head of Regional Commercialisation Programmes will report to the Director of EDCP at Durham University, and support and report to the SCENE Management Group which includes Director level leads from the five Universities, and will be responsible for the delivery, integration and ongoing development of this group of programmes. The postholder will also liaise closely with the structures supporting the new University Commercialisation and Spin Out fund.

Looking forward, the postholder will work with the five Universities and the wider network of strategic partners to develop new opportunities to promote successful Research Commercialisation

The postholder will lead and bring together the core team currently supporting the Northern Accelerator programme alongside new staff appointed through the SCENE programme ensuring close integration in delivering the objectives of the programmes. This will include the postholders appointed within each of the five institutions to support these programmes.

The postholder will be responsible to the Director of EDCP and the Management Group for the effective management and development of the resources available for delivering the programmes, taking into account the requirements and expectations of funders and drawing on best practice from within the partner institutions and the wider university sector.

An illustration of the UNEE Governance Structures and SCENE Staffing Structures will be available here .

The Department

The postholder and the Durham based members of the Team of staff will sit within Durham University's Research and Innovation Services (RIS) team. RIS is a professional services directorate at the heart of Durham University.

We provide expertise, leadership and support to academics and professional colleagues across the University for all research, research-related, knowledge exchange and economic development activities. Our aim is to strengthen Durham's role at the leading-edge of research and innovation, inspiring extraordinary change across the world and in our region. Our vision is to facilitate world-leading research and knowledge exchange through a high-performing, high-quality service.

The team is based in our exciting new professional services hub at Boldon House, which is located on the outskirts of Durham near the Arnison Centre in Pity Me. Boldon House brings professional services teams together across the University in a vibrant office environment which supports collaborative working and is designed to embrace hybrid working.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year.
• The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into this University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham . click apply for full job details