Position Description

The SustAInLivWork Center of Excellence is inviting applications for the position of Project Expert acing as Head of the Tech-Transfer, Impact and Knowledge Vaporisation HUB. This HUB plays a key role in enhancing the societal and economic impact of research by coordinating technology transfer activities, managing intellectual property rights (from patenting to licensing), and fostering strategic partnerships with businesses, academic networks, and policy-making institutions. It also supports commissioned projects and promotes collaboration between Research Groups and external stakeholders.

Reports to: Director of the CoE.

Type of Contract: Project-based contract until 31 August 2029, full-time employment (40 hours/week).

Remuneration package: 34 EUR per hour. Gross income (in Lithuanian, BRUTO) is the amount of salary or wages paid to an individual by an employer before any deductions are taken.

Location: SustAInLivWork Centre of Excellence (CoE) (Artificial Intelligence Excellence Centre at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU)), Kaunas, Lithuania.

Application Start Date: 05 December 2025.

The role requires on-site presence at KTU, with with the possibility of partial remote work.

Main duties and responsibilities

Project Expert acting as the Head of the Tech-Transfer, Impact & Knowledge Valorisation HUB will:

• Facilitate technology transfer activities and the protection, licensing, and commercialisation of research results, including those involving artificial intelligence solutions.

• Support researchers and research groups in developing strategies for stakeholder engagement, market positioning, and knowledge vaporisation.

• Promote and support the establishment, mentoring, and growth of innovation-driven enterprises and start-ups based on scientific inventions and technological solutions.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of mechanisms for entrepreneurship, innovation, and public-private collaboration.

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with companies, public institutions, and international networks.

• Coordinate commissioned research activities and promote the practical application of AI and other emerging technologies.

• Enhance the CoE’s visibility and attractiveness by connecting research outcomes with societal and economic needs.

• Prepare and provide the Director with data, input, and draft content for annual reports and annual activity plans related to tech-transfer, innovation collaboration, and external partnerships.

• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) in technology transfer, knowledge vaporisation, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring achievement of targets and continuous improvement.

• Advise the Director on the potential engagement of external experts (e.g., legal, patenting, market analysis) when necessary to support strategic HUB activities.

• Contribute to the strategic development of the CoE by proposing improvements to innovation vaporisation processes and organisational collaboration models.

• Act in accordance with the Centre's internal rules, perform the duties defined in the official CoE documents, and comply with the applicable rules and procedures of KTU.

Requirement for the Candidate

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Possess an impeccable reputation and high professional integrity, especially in innovation, IP management, and external stakeholder cooperation.

• Hold at least a Master’s degree (e.g., engineering, computer science, management, law, economics, or related areas); a PhD is considered an advantage.

• Have at least 3 years of managerial or coordination experience in technology transfer, innovation policy, knowledge vaporisation, or multi-sectoral partnership development.

• Be familiar with the legal aspects of intellectual property rights, including processes such as patenting, licensing, collaboration agreements, and strategies for protecting or commercialising research-based innovations, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, its technologies, systems, processes or applications.

• Have experience in developing and sustaining partnerships with businesses, public institutions, and international or EU-level stakeholders.

• Be familiar with R&D funding instruments, particularly those supporting tech-transfer and academia-business collaboration (e.g., Horizon Europe, EIC, national innovation funds).

• Show the ability to assist researchers in translating scientific results into commercial, societal, or policy impact, including through market analysis and stakeholder strategies.

• Demonstrate strong project management and stakeholder coordination skills in complex, multi-actor settings.

• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including negotiation, presentation, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

• Language proficiency: Lithuanian (C1) and English (C1) levels.

• Additional training or certifications in IP management, innovation law, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, or other related fields.

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Flexible working hours.

• Social guarantees (vacation, sick leave, and parental leave) and additional social benefits.

• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.

• Opportunities for networking and collaboration with leading experts in AI and sustainability.

• Additional motivational incentives in accordance with the University's applicable remuneration policy.

Method of Applications’ Submission and Closing Date for Applications

• Please submit all the required documents via KTU Career website https://karjera.ktu.edu/en-GB or by email cv@ktu.lt.

• Applications must be submitted by 19 December 2025 (inclusive).

The contact person who will provide information about the application procedure Organisation Development Specialist Agnė Karabanovaitė, e-mail cv@ktu.lt.

The list of documents that each Applicant must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) clearly outlining how the applicant meets the position requirements.

• Copy of diploma(s) certifying higher education.

• Copy of PhD diploma (if applicable).

• Any other supporting documents the applicant considers relevant.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.