Job Description
Description
Innovate Calgary
CALGARY, ALBERTA
About Innovate Calgary
Innovate Calgary is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Calgary, supporting the University, its members and partners bridge the gap between discovery and creating economic and societal impact. We provide a unique environment for employees combining a flexible working environment with significant exposure to the breadth of Calgary¿s and UCalgary¿s growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
About the Role
As a member of the technology transfer team, the Innovation Manager will facilitate the identification, business assessment, licensing and commercialization of medical and life-sciences-based technologies¿with a particular emphasis on the licensing of software, copyright, and data-based intellectual property ¿ developed at the University of Calgary. The Innovation Manager will be responsible for managing a portfolio of existing technologies while working with faculty and researchers to identify and evaluate new inventions for commercial potential in addition to marketing to, and initiating contact with potential licensees, negotiating, and closing license and research agreements with industry partners. The Innovation Manager will also support university-based startups by developing intellectual property protection and commercialization strategies within their technology portfolio.
Key Accountabilities:
Support Innovate Calgary¿s mandate of excellence in technology commercialization.
Identify new inventions derived from research executed at the University of Calgary.
Perform assessments of patentability, market potential and overall commercial potential.
Meet with investigators/researchers as needed to evaluate and define strategy for the commercialization of inventions.
Develop intellectual property protection strategies and manage ongoing prosecution of intellectual property in a timely manner.
Identify and initiate contacts with potential licensees.
Work collaboratively with clients to develop commercialization strategies for technologies in the portfolio.
Negotiate and close license and equity agreements with industry partners and university-based startup companies.
Maintain and efficiently utilize all aspects of the technology and intellectual property project management database for each technology within the portfolio.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Personal Characteristics:
Sound business judgement, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Intelligent, personable and willing to proactively engage clients and team members.
Proactive business relationship management skills with a commitment to the completion of projects.
Willingness to take on different levels of responsibility.
Entrepreneurial, possesses the ability to work in an evolving environment with multiple stakeholders.
Detail-oriented, meticulous but confident, tenacious and diplomatic.
Self-motivated, open-minded.
A keen attitude and willingness to explore areas outside of your area of expertise.
Fast learner.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work with and organize large volumes of data.
Skills & Qualifications:
MSc or Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences discipline
AND Minimum of five years of experience in the field of technology transfer and commercialization, innovation, or related industry experience
OR, An advanced degree in another scientific field
AND 10 years of experience in the field of technology transfer and commercialization, innovation, or related industry experience
Demonstrated experience in negotiating and closing large-scale licensing deals and/or research partnership agreements
Familiarity with Canadian and US patent law and managing a patent portfolio
Experience with copyrights and licensing of copyrights
Familiarity with licensing of data and proprietary information, processes or methods not covered by formal IP protections
Influential communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) and client-relationship management skills
Excellent negotiation skills in technology transfer, including an understanding of technology royalty rates, exclusivity, and field of use restrictions
Experience working with University spin-out companies is considered an asset
Excellent communication skills with the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy
Excellent financial management skills with demonstrated ability to manage projects within budgetary restrictions
Excellent technology marketing skills and business development skills
Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
Ability to reconcile University and industry interests that are often divergent
Ability to demonstrate initiative and exercise independent judgment
How to Apply
Interested applicants are asked to forward their resume and cover letter to [email protected] with Innovation Manager, Life and Medical Sciences, Technology Transfer as the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Application Closing Date: June 20, 2026
Innovate Calgary is an equal opportunity organization committed to building and fostering a fair and inclusive community that values diversity and encourages respect for all. We welcome applicants across any race, colour, religion, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. We recognize the value of identifying and removing barriers for any applicants interested in participating in our programs.
Innovate Calgary
CALGARY, ALBERTA
About Innovate Calgary
Innovate Calgary is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Calgary, supporting the University, its members and partners bridge the gap between discovery and creating economic and societal impact. We provide a unique environment for employees combining a flexible working environment with significant exposure to the breadth of Calgary¿s and UCalgary¿s growing innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
About the Role
As a member of the technology transfer team, the Innovation Manager will facilitate the identification, business assessment, licensing and commercialization of medical and life-sciences-based technologies¿with a particular emphasis on the licensing of software, copyright, and data-based intellectual property ¿ developed at the University of Calgary. The Innovation Manager will be responsible for managing a portfolio of existing technologies while working with faculty and researchers to identify and evaluate new inventions for commercial potential in addition to marketing to, and initiating contact with potential licensees, negotiating, and closing license and research agreements with industry partners. The Innovation Manager will also support university-based startups by developing intellectual property protection and commercialization strategies within their technology portfolio.
Key Accountabilities:
Support Innovate Calgary¿s mandate of excellence in technology commercialization.
Identify new inventions derived from research executed at the University of Calgary.
Perform assessments of patentability, market potential and overall commercial potential.
Meet with investigators/researchers as needed to evaluate and define strategy for the commercialization of inventions.
Develop intellectual property protection strategies and manage ongoing prosecution of intellectual property in a timely manner.
Identify and initiate contacts with potential licensees.
Work collaboratively with clients to develop commercialization strategies for technologies in the portfolio.
Negotiate and close license and equity agreements with industry partners and university-based startup companies.
Maintain and efficiently utilize all aspects of the technology and intellectual property project management database for each technology within the portfolio.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Personal Characteristics:
Sound business judgement, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Intelligent, personable and willing to proactively engage clients and team members.
Proactive business relationship management skills with a commitment to the completion of projects.
Willingness to take on different levels of responsibility.
Entrepreneurial, possesses the ability to work in an evolving environment with multiple stakeholders.
Detail-oriented, meticulous but confident, tenacious and diplomatic.
Self-motivated, open-minded.
A keen attitude and willingness to explore areas outside of your area of expertise.
Fast learner.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work with and organize large volumes of data.
Skills & Qualifications:
MSc or Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences discipline
AND Minimum of five years of experience in the field of technology transfer and commercialization, innovation, or related industry experience
OR, An advanced degree in another scientific field
AND 10 years of experience in the field of technology transfer and commercialization, innovation, or related industry experience
Demonstrated experience in negotiating and closing large-scale licensing deals and/or research partnership agreements
Familiarity with Canadian and US patent law and managing a patent portfolio
Experience with copyrights and licensing of copyrights
Familiarity with licensing of data and proprietary information, processes or methods not covered by formal IP protections
Influential communication skills (oral, written, and presentation) and client-relationship management skills
Excellent negotiation skills in technology transfer, including an understanding of technology royalty rates, exclusivity, and field of use restrictions
Experience working with University spin-out companies is considered an asset
Excellent communication skills with the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy
Excellent financial management skills with demonstrated ability to manage projects within budgetary restrictions
Excellent technology marketing skills and business development skills
Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
Ability to reconcile University and industry interests that are often divergent
Ability to demonstrate initiative and exercise independent judgment
How to Apply
Interested applicants are asked to forward their resume and cover letter to [email protected] with Innovation Manager, Life and Medical Sciences, Technology Transfer as the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Application Closing Date: June 20, 2026
Innovate Calgary is an equal opportunity organization committed to building and fostering a fair and inclusive community that values diversity and encourages respect for all. We welcome applicants across any race, colour, religion, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. We recognize the value of identifying and removing barriers for any applicants interested in participating in our programs.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Innovation Manager, Life & Medical Sciences, Technology Transfer, Innovate Calgary position is now open for candidates interested in the Education Jobs sector. This role in Calgary offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Education Jobs is a plus.
