Knowledge Transfer Broker

The responsibilities will include continuous market monitoring, developing the most appropriate strategy for the transfer of project results, and ensuring the proper implementation of the strategy for the commercialisation of research results at the SOWA Centre of Excellence, with particular emphasis on the protection of the intellectual property developed within the project. The Broker will remain in contact with the University of Warsaw Technology and Knowledge Transfer Centre.

The main responsibilities include:

1. Intellectual property management

• developing and implementing technology transfer and commercialisation strategies for research results generated within the MAB FENG project;
• identifying R&D results developed at the Centre of Excellence with commercial potential and supporting research teams in the process of protecting and commercialising them;
• analysing the market potential of R&D results and preparing recommendations regarding their commercialisation;
• coordinating intellectual property protection processes, including patent applications, know-how management, and licensing agreements;
• transfer in accordance with applicable regulations and EU project standards.

2. Licensing and commercialisation

• negotiating and concluding licensing and commercialisation agreements with companies, investors, or start-ups in cooperation with relevant University of Warsaw units;
• assessing potential partners and preparing market analyses for technologies and applications developed at the Centre.

3. Cooperation and advisory support

• educating research teams at the Centre of Excellence on intellectual property protection, invention disclosure procedures, and licensing opportunities;
• facilitating communication between researchers and industry, including supporting the process of concluding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), material transfer agreements (MTAs), and similar agreements.

4. Partnership development and technology promotion

• building relationships with industry partners, investors, and funding institutions;
• promoting technologies and application-oriented solutions through presentations at industry fairs, conferences, and in industry media.

5. Monitoring

• monitoring the results of commercialisation activities and correspondence with the funding institution;
• ensuring compliance with applicable laws and the internal policies of CD SOWA.

Where to apply

E-mail: sekretariat.IGF@fuw.edu.pl

Requirements

Research Field: Engineering; Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field: Juridical sciences; Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field: Management sciences; Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field: Physics » Optics; Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate for the position of Knowledge Transfer Broker must meet the following requirements:

• hold a university degree (a doctoral degree is preferred) in science, engineering, law, or innovation management;
• have professional experience in technology transfer, research commercialisation, or science-industry cooperation, including experience in research institutions and technology companies;
• have knowledge of the photonics industry, in particular specialty optical fibres, fibre-optic sensors, quantum sensors, and fibre lasers;
• have knowledge of technological issues related to additive manufacturing, optical fibre technologies, and optical glass synthesis;
• have sound knowledge of intellectual property law, including patent application procedures, know-how protection, and IP commercialisation;
• have practical knowledge of commercialisation models, such as licensing agreements, establishment of spin-off companies, and sale of intellectual property rights;
• have the ability to conduct market analyses and assess the implementation potential of technologies;
• have experience in project management and intellectual property documentation in accordance with the guidelines of funding institutions; experience in the above areas gained in technology companies will be an additional advantage;
• have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and with external partners;
• have a very good command of English, both spoken and written, at a minimum level of B2;
• be proficient in MS Office tools, in particular Excel, and have experience working with document management systems;
• have knowledge of the principles governing the operation of research institutions and the rules of cooperation with public administration and businesses;
• demonstrate a proactive approach, independence, and initiative;
• demonstrate strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• have the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, including under time pressure.

Specific Requirements

Desirable:

• experience in conducting R&D activities and promoting research results;
• participation in acceleration programmes and business incubators;
• experience in science–business cooperation;
• experience in drafting and analysing agreements, including licensing agreements

Languages: ENGLISH (Level: Good)

Languages: POLISH

Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering

Research Field: Physics » Optics

Additional Information

Benefits

1/2 of a full-time position employment for up to 38 months, but not later than 31.12.2029.

Basic salary PLN 162 000 gross/gross per year, in accordance with regulations (includes 13th salary, may include seniority allowance).

Opportunities for professional development:

• opportunity to contribute to the development and market introduction of breakthrough solutions in photonics and deep tech;
• real impact on commercialisation processes, including the establishment of spin-off companies, commercialisation of know-how, and negotiation of licensing agreements;
• cooperation with leading research teams in Poland and abroad and access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure;
• building relationships with businesses, Venture Capital funds, and industry leaders;
• participation in international trade fairs, industry conferences, and matchmaking events;
• participation in training courses, workshops, and programmes aimed at developing competencies in IP law, technology valuation, and knowledge transfer;
• work in a dynamic, international research environment at a prestigious university.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Education and specialist knowledge in photonics (max. 25 points)
• Experience in commercialisation, IP law, and agreements (max. 25 points)
• Experience in the R&D sector, technology companies, and acceleration programmes (max. 25 points)
• Market analysis and knowledge of the institutional and legal environment (max. 25 points)

Maximum total score available to a candidate: 100 points

Selection process

Interested candidates should submit via email to sekretariat.IGF@fuw.edu.pl the following documents:

1. Personal questionnaire (available for download from the website: https://bsp.adm.uw.edu.pl/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/07/Kwestionariusz-osobowy_kandydat_11_2019.docx)
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Cover letter
4. Copy of a higher education diploma
5. Two letters of recommendation sent to: Ryszard.Buczynski@fuw.edu.pl

The application deadline is scheduled for October 31, 2026. Selected candidates may be invited to an interview with a committee appointed by the Faculty Dean. The interview process will likely take place online via GMeet, Zoom, etc. Candidates will be notified individually by email by November 30, 2026. In the event of a withdrawal from the application, the position will be offered to the next candidate on the ranking list.

Additional comments

Information about the Internal Reporting Procedure at the University of Warsaw pursuant to the Act of June 14, 2024 on the procedure for whistleblowers:

The University of Warsaw has a procedure for reporting rights violations - Internal reporting procedure, attached to Ordinance No. 94 of the Rector of the University of Warsaw dated 17 September 2024 on the procedure for whistleblowers reporting cases of law violation at the University of Warsaw and for undertaking follow-up actions, published and available in Monitor UW 2024, item 266.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: Centre of Excellence for Structured Fiber Optics and Applications

Country: Poland

City: Warsaw

Postal Code: 02-093

Street: Pasteura 5

Contact

City: Warsaw

Website: https://mabsowa.uw.edu.pl

Street: Pasteura 5

Postal Code: 02-093

E-Mail: Ryszard.Buczynski@fuw.edu.pl

Phone: +48 22 55 32 023