ICFO is seeking a driven, deep-tech enthusiast with strong business acumen to join ICFO’s Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) Team as the **Exploitation and Innovation Manager** of PIXEurope. This strategic role will be pivotal in steering PIXEurope’s innovation and exploitation activities, engaging stakeholders across academia, industry, and policy.
**MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Support the Pilot Line Director in the ongoing monitoring, benchmarking, reporting, and promotion of **project outcomes relevant to exploitation and innovation**.
- Lead the management of **intellectual property (IP)** generated within the pilot line: including invention disclosures, patent filings, proactive engineering of IP packages, licensing strategies, IP landscaping, and the negotiation of IP rights.
- Proactively **engage with technology end-users** and industry players to build strategic partnerships and foster adoption of PIXEurope innovations.
- Maintain a comprehensive overview of innovation activities across the consortium, ensuring **alignment with Chips JU guidelines** on IP protection, open access, and exploitation.
- As part of the Pilot Line Coordination and Management Team, collaborate with other management roles (e.g., Open Access, Data Management and Gateway) to strengthen the project’s open-access strategy and innovation ecosystem, working closely with the Pilot Line Steering Committee.
- Support ICFO’s coordination and PIXEurope’s PIC leadership **through interaction with project partners, stakeholders, and relevant EU institutions**.
This contract has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe under the Grant Agreement # 101213727, Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service, and is supported by funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR).
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**REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS**
- A **degree in science or engineering** (physics, chemistry, photonics, or related disciplines highly valued).
- A **minimum of 3 years of experience** in innovation and exploitation management, preferably within **EU-funded research and innovation projects. Experience in large-scale, multi-partner projects or pilot lines is an asset.**
- Solid knowledge of **photonics** and/or related technology sectors. Familiarity with the **Photonics Integrated Circuit (PIC)**industry and its key players is highly advantageous.
- Strong communication skills in English (written and spoken); proficiency in Catalan and/or Spanish is a plus.
- A self-starter with a collaborative spirit, capable of managing complex tasks and relationships in a dynamic international environment.
**WHAT WE OFFER**
- Indefinite contract for scientific and technical activities pursuant to Spanish Law 14/2011, linked to the duration of the Pilot Line initiative.
- A unique opportunity to **shape and drive** a high-impact European initiative at the forefront of photonic innovation. Integration into a vibrant, international, and multidisciplinary environment at ICFO.
- Integration into **ICFO’s vibrant, multidisciplinary, and international research community**.
- A strategic position in a project that **will define the future of European photonics**.
A competitive salary according to ICFO’s internal scales and a family allowance, if applicable, in line with institutional policy.This position will be dedicated full time to the **European Chips JU Pilot Line project PIXEurope** directed by **Prof. Dr. Valerio Pruneri** within the KTT ICFO’s operational team.
- A presentation letter outlining your interest in the position.
- A curriculum vitae, including full contact information.
ICFO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
This contract has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe under the Grant Agreement # 101213727, Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service, and is supported by funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR).
22nd of July, 2025