ABOUT THE POSITION
Imperial Innovations builds and invests in companies based on inventions from world leading universities. In the course of this activity it must evaluate a significant number of inventions a year and develop plans for exploiting the most promising of those inventions. The Market Intelligence Executive (Physical Sciences) will focus on the commercial viability of inventions and, in particular, the evaluation of market need for emerging technologies such as novel materials, catalysts, process equipment, sensors, software, etc. This role requires someone with a deep understanding of science coupled with commercial acumen.
The analyst’s output will consist of written reports and other communications which will be used to develop commercialisation strategies and support investment decisions. This output will be produced via quantitative and qualitative research, using both primary and secondary resources, combined with analytical skill.
The analyst must be able to understand both the technology and its business application, and be able to translate information effectively between academic and business communities. He or she must also have the perseverance and ingenuity to uncover data from disparate sources and be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Working as part of the Ventures team he or she must be confident in working with academics and prospective company management in the support of the development of robust business plans for new businesses.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Rapidly developing an understanding of market and industry characteristics – identifying market need, critical success factors, trends, value chain, competitors, customers, etc., in order to find the best route to market for emerging technologies.
• Evaluating early-stage technologies – identifying their competitive advantage and translating their technical novelty into a customer value proposition.
• Primary research – gathering data and opinions from industry experts.
• Secondary research – using a structured approach to information resources, discriminating between sources and identifying new ones where appropriate.
• Analysis and synthesis – logical reasoning which translates information into intelligence and draws clear conclusions.
• Communicating this intelligence – writing reports, delivering predictive insight and actionable recommendations.
• Teamwork – working effectively across the organisation to respond to research requests and influence the decision making of others.
This Job Description is not exhaustive, and may change to meet the needs of the department and company. The scope of the job will be discussed with the post holder at regular intervals.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
• Science graduate with excellent academic record in a physical sciences discipline (e.g. Physics, Natural Sciences, Material Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Engineering).
• Demonstrable interest in emerging technologies.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in market intelligence, market research and analysis for emerging technologies.
• Commercial awareness and ability to contribute to strategic decision making.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both academic and business communities.
• Rigorous attention to detail as well as the ability to perceive the big picture.
• High degree of personal organisation; able to handle multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Clarity of thought and expression.
• Excellent reporting skills, with clear and concise English.
• Strong numerical skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work as part of a team and integrate into a matrix organisation.
• Proactive, self-motivated worker
DESIRABLE
• Relevant higher degree (eg. PhD, MSc, MBA).
• Experience of relevant technology-intensive industries (e.g. clean technology, ICT, engineering, materials).
• Experience with intellectual property, especially patents.
• Entrepreneurial attitude and/or experience with start-up companies.
• Experience in business modelling or preparing business cases/plans.
BENEFITS
• Salary – dependent on experience
• Discretionary annual performance related bonus
• 25 days annual leave plus normal public and bank holidays
• Group personal pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Permanent health insurance
To apply for this position please send full career and current salary details to Diana Crisp at diana.crisp@imperialinnovations.co.uk, or contact her on 020 7594 6589.
