Job Reference: Ref.18.26.302
Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)
Location: Braga, Portugal
Group/Unit: Technology Transfer Office
Number of Vacancies: 1
Employment Type: Full time
Contract Duration: 48 months
Open Date for Applications: June 16th, 2026
Closing Date for Applications: July 8th, 2026, 23h00 (Lisbon Time)
Key words: #businessdevelopment #contractnegotiation #marketanalysis #commercialstrategy #technologymarketing #commercialisation #stakeholderengagement #R&Dknowledge #innovationecosystem #negotiation
Overview
INL was created with the aim of boosting Nanotechnology research and its impact in society, at a Regional, Iberian and International level. Starting by putting together a world class research infrastructure, attracting top principal investigators (PIs), creating new know-how and intellectual property, collaborating with existing companies as well as stimulating the creation of new spin-off start-ups.
In order to pursue our strategic goals of innovation, INL is opening a position for an Officer in the Technology Transfer Office (TTO).
Job Duties
The job duties will be the following:
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Proactively identify, target, and develop new industry relationships in the ICT sector – including semiconductor, photonics, 2D materials, quantum technologies, AI hardware, and adjacent markets – at regional, national, and international levels.
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Act as the primary point of contact for incoming industrial enquiries, leading the qualification and scoping of collaboration opportunities.
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Lead the negotiation, setup, and contractual management of contract research and technology services agreements with private companies.
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Coordinate with INL research groups to define project scope, deliverables, timelines, and budgets for industry-funded R&D projects and services, as well as to maintain a current understanding of ongoing research projects and their translational potential.
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Maintain an active pipeline of prospective industry partners.
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Oversee the fulfilment of contractual obligations, ensuring alignment between scientific teams and industrial client expectations.
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Represent INL at industry events, trade fairs, and B2B matchmaking forums.
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Define and execute a business development strategy for the ICT grand area aligned with INL's institutional priorities and research capabilities, as well as with relevant market trends.
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Work with inventors and research groups to identify commercially relevant outputs (i.e., inventions, know-how, software, datasets) in the ICT area and assess their commercialisation potential.
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Support the development and implementation of IP commercialisation strategies (i.e., licensing, co-development, spin-out creation) suited to the ICT technology landscape.
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Prepare technology marketing materials, non-confidential summaries, and pitch decks to communicate INL's ICT innovations to potential partners and licensees.
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Support the preparation of technology transfer reports, KPI tracking, and strategic planning documents for INL's governance bodies.
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Contribute to INL's broader knowledge exchange and innovation dissemination activities, including workshops, seminars, and stakeholder events.
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Provide insights and recommendations for improving business development and technology transfer activities.
Mandatory Qualifications
Education
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Master's degree (MSc or MEng) in an ICT-related field like Physics, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
Experience and Technical Skills
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Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in technology transfer, business development, research commercialisation, or industry partnership management at a research institution, RTO, or industry.
Business Development & Contract Negotiation
- Proven ability to identify and capitalise on new business opportunities.
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Experience in building, developing, and managing client relationships.
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Sales and negotiation skills with a proven track record of closing deals.
Market Analysis & Strategic Planning
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Understanding of industry trends and market demands.
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Ability to assess business opportunities and develop revenue growth strategies.
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Experience in strategically positioning R&D services to drive commercial success.
Technology Marketing & Commercialisation
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Experience in preparing technology marketing materials and supporting licensing deals.
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Familiarity with spin-out company creation and support mechanisms, including investor readiness and venture ecosystems.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
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Ability to translate technical R&D capabilities into business value for industry partners.
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Proficient usage of social media to disseminate and interact with potential clients.
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Experience in networking, public speaking, and representing the organisation at events.
Knowledge of R&D & Innovation Ecosystem
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Familiarity with technology transfer, innovation policies, and funding mechanisms.
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Understanding of public-private collaboration models in research.
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Capability to implement inhouse projects and processes related to business development activities.
Negotiation & Problem-Solving
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Ability to navigate complex deals and resolve conflicts in partnerships.
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Strong decision-making skills to handle project and contract-related challenges.
Other Valued Skills
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Familiarity with ICT technology domains relevant to INL's portfolio - including but not limited to: sensors, MEMS, quantum technologies, photonics, neuromorphic systems, semiconductor devices, spintronics, or AI/ML hardware.
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Experience with CRM systems and business development pipeline management.
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Prior experience in an RTO, university TTO, or innovation intermediary context.
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Networking capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications and Skills
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PhD in an ICT-relevant technical field.
- MBA/MSc in Technology/Innovation Management.
Personal Skills
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Initiative and autonomy.
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Ability to work in a dynamic research environment with evolving technologies.
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Proactive mindset in addressing to legal, financial, and technical transfer challenges.
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Excellent organisational skills to track business contracts and oversee ongoing activities effectively.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with clients, researchers, and decision-makers.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
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Customer-focused approach with a commitment to delivering value.
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Collaborative mindset and strong team spirit.
Our Benefits
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Competitive salary.
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Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges.
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Private health insurance.
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Family allowances (according to family situation).
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Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability).
- Support for education fees of dependent children.
- Relocation support.
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30 working days of annual leave.
How to Apply
The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:
a) Cover letter
b) Curriculum Vitae
c) Academic and/or Professional diplomas
Reference letters while not mandatory will be valued.
Important note:
Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.
How the Selection Process works
A. Applications eligibility check
This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.
B. CV Assessment
The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).
C. Interview(s)
The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.
The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.
D. Nomination
The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions.
Additional Information
Application feedback
We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle
INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.
The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.
About INL
The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.
