VACANCY BUSINESS DEVELOPER SUSTAINABLE ENERGY - ENERGHENTIC
Ghent University is looking for an entrepreneurial and dynamic colleague to lead the
EnerGhentIC business unit and drive the commercialisation of applied research in the energy
transition field.
About Ghent University
Ghent University is a world in itself. More than 10,000 employees work there every day in education
and research, management and administration, technical and social services, etc. For them, Ghent
University is a logical choice: it is one of the largest, most exciting and future-oriented employers in the
region. Ghent University has 11 faculties and more than 100 departments, which offer high-quality
education supported by research in each of the scientific disciplines. Ghent University pursues an active
equal opportunities and diversity policy and encourages everyone to apply.
About EnerGhentIC
EnerGhentIC is the Ghent University IOF* business unit specializing in energy innovation and
valorization. The EnerGhentIC community has over 200 researchers and 32 professors, spanning 5
faculties, stimulating both internal UGent collaboration and external partnerships to translate applied
research into tangible solutions for the energy transition.
The EnerGhentIC support team currently consists of 7 professionals who support all involved
researchers in creating economic and socio-economic impact. This includes fostering industrial
partnerships and alliances with policy makers, protecting and commercializing intellectual property,
assisting in acquiring research funding (both national and European), developing spin-offs and
organizing events to facilitate research dissemination and networking.
Together, we ensure that research extends beyond the university to drive real-world energy solutions.
The EnerGhentIC support team is looking for a motivated and engaged colleague to join the team as
business developer and team lead.
The Industrial Research Fund (IOF) supports the collaboration between the
Ghent University Association and industry with the aim of stimulating innovation.
Visit our website to learn about our activities: www.energhentic.be
Your Role
As Business Developer Sustainable Energy and Team Lead, your main tasks will consist of:
- Commercialization
Identify and commercialise UGent application oriented research results within the
sustainable energy sector through R&D contracts, licenses, and spin-offs.
Supervise the development and commercialisation of new technologies, including IP
management, marketing of technologies and spin-off creation.
Prioritise projects based on their (commercial) impact potential.
Support industrial research programs and application-oriented funding applications,
emphasizing valorisation impact and business case development. - Collaboration and Partnerships
Develop and strengthen existing structural collaborations with mainly industrial partners
in the Flemish, European and international energy sector, including ongoing
partnerships with Daikin Europe and the City of Ghent.
Represent Ghent University and strengthen our position in external networks such as
Flux50, De Blauwe Cluster, BERA, OWI-LAB and EAWE.
Strengthen Ghent University’s position with local, regional and federal policymakers by
leveraging our community’s expertise to shape energy innovation agendas. - Community Building and business Coordination
Organize activities for the EnerGhentIC community, including internal community
building and external (networking) events and strategy sessions.
Act as point of contact and coordinator for the EnerGhentIC professors and their
research teams.
Engage with colleagues within the operational team working on sustainable technology,
in particular with colleagues working in the machineries and factories, construction, and
metals sector.
Actively participate in broader platform collaborations focused on offshore energy and
hydrogen. - Team Leadership and Team Coordination
Manage and lead the EnerGhentIC support team.
Develop and implement strategies for effective team collaboration, financial coordination
and project management.
Your profile
- Educational Background: Master’s degree required; PhD preferred.
Engineering background is an asset. - Sector Expertise:
Extensive knowledge of or solid background in the domain of sustainable
energy. Existing networks within the sector are a plus. - Experience:
At least 3-5 years relevant industry experience, with expertise in relevant areas such as:
â–ª Intellectual property rights and their marketing through licensing.
â–ª Research valorization (licenses, spin-offs).
â–ª Business development and project management.
â–ª Multi-partner consortia in the context of industrial research programs.
â–ª Drawing up of impact sections of application-oriented project applications.
Experience with spin-off development is a plus. - Skills:
Strong social (people-oriented), leadership, and communication skills (Dutch and
English), preferably proven by experience.
Affinity with both academic and business environments.
Entrepreneurial attitude.
Experience in drafting and negotiating bilateral contracts with industry partners.
Diplomatic, constructive, result-oriented, and service-driven. - Additional Assets:
Experience or training in team management and coaching.
Experience or training in marketing and network development, incl. PR, partner
prospecting and setting up strategic partnerships.
Experience in setting up and coordinating cross-domain and multidisciplinary structures.
Entrepreneurial experience (within the energy sector) or business administration
courses (e.g., MBA).
Our offer
Contractual appointment for an indefinite period
- Rewarding career path within a stimulating and supportive environment
- Opportunities for professional growth aligned with your expertise and experience
- More information
- EnerGhentIC: www.energhentic.be
- Industrial Research Fund: UGent IOF Overview
- Promotor Coordinator of EnerGhentIC: Michel De Paepe (michel.depaepe@ugent.be | 0475/47.97.61)
- Coordinator Industrial Research Fund: Ingrid Merchiers (ingrid.merchiers@ugent.be | 09/264.99.51)
Application
Submit your motivated application letter and extensive CV by Friday, February 14th at the latest via
Ingrid.Merchiers@UGent.be to the attention of the Chairman of the IOF Board Prof. Dieter Deforce.