Technology Transfer Officer

Job description

CHALIMBANA UNIVERSITY — RECRUITMENT NOTICE

Chalimbana University invites applications from suitably qualified, experienced, innovative, and results-oriented candidates to fill the position of Technology Transfer Officer.

Reports to: Director of Innovation, Consultancy and Commercialisation
Directorate: Directorate of Innovation, Consultancy and Commercialisation (Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation)

Role Overview

The Technology Transfer Officer is responsible for facilitating the transformation of research outputs and technological innovations into practical applications and commercially viable products and services. The Officer will spearhead the operations of the University’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and report directly to the Director of Innovation, Consultancy and Commercialisation.

Job Purpose

To identify, protect, manage, and commercialise intellectual property generated through the University’s research and innovation activities, while fostering strategic partnerships with industry, government, and other stakeholders to translate research outputs into societal benefits and sustainable revenue streams for the University.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the preparation of the directorate’s work plan and in the formulation, review, and implementation of the Intellectual Property Policy and related technology transfer procedures.
• Identify, screen, and evaluate research outputs, inventions, and innovations from staff and students for their commercial potential.
• Facilitate the protection of intellectual property through patents, utility models, copyright, industrial designs, trademarks, plant varieties, and other forms of protection, in liaison with PACRA and other relevant bodies.
• Develop commercialisation strategies for University innovations, including licensing, spin-off companies, start-ups, and joint ventures.
• Identify and engage industry, government, development partners, and investors for research collaboration, licensing, and technology transfer opportunities.
• Support the drafting and negotiation of licensing, confidentiality, material transfer, collaborative research, and other technology transfer agreements, in liaison with legal services.
• Support the development of prototypes, proof-of-concept projects, and incubation of innovations, in collaboration with the Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) and the Innovation and Incubation unit.
• Conduct awareness and training on intellectual property, innovation, and entrepreneurship for staff and students.
• Maintain an inventory and database of the University’s intellectual property, innovations, disclosures, and agreements.
• Liaise with the National Technology Business Centre (NTBC) and other national and international innovation bodies on technology transfer support and funding.
• Participate in the preparation of the sectional budget, and prepare quarterly and annual operational performance reports on technology transfer activities.
• Perform any other lawful duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade Twelve (12) School Certificate or its equivalent with at least five (5) credits or better, including English Language and Mathematics.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Technology, Law, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognised institution.
• A Master’s Degree in Intellectual Property, Innovation Management, Business Administration, Science, Engineering, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Training or certification in intellectual property management or technology transfer, such as WIPO Academy courses, will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ relevant work experience in technology transfer, intellectual property management, innovation, research commercialisation, or business development.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

Key Competencies and Personal Attributes

• Sound knowledge of intellectual property law and practice, technology transfer processes, and research commercialisation.
• Ability to assess the technical and commercial potential of research outputs and innovations.
• Good business development, negotiation, marketing, and partnership-building skills.
• Strong project management, analytical, and report writing skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Entrepreneurial, innovative, and results-oriented, with the ability to work with researchers, industry, and investors.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Proficiency in computer applications and patent or market search databases.

Terms of Appointment and Remuneration

The appointment shall be based on the University appointment guidelines, subject to a probationary period of three (3) months and satisfactory performance during the probationary period, as well as the University’s operational requirements. An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered.

Mode of Application

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit:

• An application letter clearly stating the position applied for
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications
• Evidence of Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) evaluation and validation of all qualifications
• Valid Professional Body Membership

Applications should be addressed to the Registrar, Chalimbana University, and sent by email to:

📧 Email: jobs@chau.ac.zm

Subject line: “Application for Technology Transfer Officer”

Closing Date: 20th November, 2026

Chalimbana University is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.