Job Description
Title:Business Lead Department:CAPPA Centre Contract Type:6 month fixed term contract initially, with an additional 6 months subject to funding approval Location:Bishopstown Campus, Cork Reporting to:CAPPA Gateway Centre Manager Dr Liam Lewis Overview of CAPPA Centre CAPPA (Centre for Advanced Photonics and Process Analysis.) is a research centre at Munster Technological University, conducting both applied and fundamental research on photonics, optics and the interaction of light with matter. CAPPA conducts internationally recognised advanced research and provides photonics solutions to companies in sectors such as photonics, medical devices, food and pharmaceuticals. UV Pasteurisation Project CAPPA has secured funding from Enterprise Irelands Commercialisation Fund by a team led by Principal Investigator (PI), Dr Milosz Przyjalgowski, to develop a novel UVC LED based process device that is to replace thermal pasteurisation of liquid ingredients and foods. The key outcomes of the project are the validated process (microbiology and sensory) with a high throughput demonstrator for potential customers. The project should also lead to intellectual property development in the space of reactor design (flow mechanism, lighting and delivery) combined with the optimum placement of UV-C LEDs. Trade secrets will also be developed in the UVC dosage, exposure time, and potentially also liquid flow rates. The route to market following completion of the project would be a spinout company which would be created to initially target the dairy whey market vertical in the UK and Ireland. CAPPA is currently seeking to recruit a Researcher to work with CAPPA on delivering an agreed series of project deliverables. The successful candidate will be primarily based in the CAPPA building in the first instance on MTUs Bishopstown campus. They will report to Dr Liam Lewis and will fall within general CAPPA reporting and management structures. On occasion, travel nationally and internationally, to meet potential trial partners or future customers may be required. Duties of the Post: The duties of this position will involve the following: Stakeholder Engagements Further engage with relevant stakeholders and investors to validate the need and to gauge commercial interest in the technology as an investible opportunity Effectively disseminate the research outcomes and exploit the commercial potential of the project Business Model Development Iterate the current Business Model based on Stakeholder engagement feedback. Use Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Value PropositionCanvas (VPC) to develop the business model for a potential spin out company Trial partner recruitment recruit partners to trial reactor when prototype complete at the end of the project Development an investor ready Business Plan for a potential spin-out company, including an appropriate revenue and finance model, go to market strategy and growth strategy (based on feedback from stakeholders, advisors and key opinion leaders) Develop a pitch deck for investor engagement. Engage with Irish and International Venture capital and Angel investors to promote the potential spin-out company. Spinout Team Identification CEO and spinout team to be finalised, number of staff, financial projections The successful candidate(s) will be expected to have a strong background experience and understanding in the following areas; Building and developing relationships with potential trial partners and future customers Development of commercialisation strategies Business modelling Business planning - development of business plansincluding growth strategy, pricing model, targeted early adoption and sales structure Business development and financial acumen Fund raising as well as venture capital and angel investor engagement Start-up company management including spin out team identification Leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Sales channel development and sales management Project management. Other Desirable criteria related to the candidate include: Experience in the food processing industry. Experience operating at corporate level with MNCs. Strong communication skills. Proven ability to work in a multi-stakeholder environment. Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work well in teams as well as a strong ability to work on her/his own initiative. The candidate will be expected to be able to work independently to an agreed series of project targets and goals. Qualification Requirements and Selection Criteria for role: An appropriate Business or Marketing third-level qualification atNFQ level 8 orequivalent or above. Minimum of 5 years management experience in a start-up or SME company. Evidence of success in raising investment for a start-up company. Proven track record in Business-to-Business (B2B) sales. Previous experience founding or leading a start-up company would be an advantage. NOTE: In addition to the minimum qualifications, it may be necessary to introduce further shortlisting criteria. Therefore, candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of qualifications and suitable experience based on details given in the application. Candidates should note that they may be called for more than one interview. Upon completion of interview, a panel will be formed from appointable candidates. Other attributes: Good communication and interpersonal skills Evidence of ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team Ability and willingness to work in a collaborative environment An understanding of, and empathy with, the concerns of students Terms of the Appointment This is an initial6-month Fixed Term Contract position; the contract will be extended by a further 6months subject to funding approval from Enterprise Ireland. The successful candidate would be expected to start as soon as possible after receiving an offer. Salary: €42,633 per annum pro rata. Additional Benefits: Comprehensive Sick Leave Policy Paid maternity leave Employment Assistance Programme Staff Discount Scheme Gym Access (reduced membership cost) On site Facilities: On site dining facilities On site TFI Bike Sharing Station Interview &Additional Information: Interview Process: If invited to interview, candidates are likely to be assessed at the interview under the following criteria. Additional criteria may be added for the interview as the need arises. Appropriateness of the candidate to the role and assessment of current skillset to the outlined criteria for the role Experience working in commercial projects. Experience working in start-up companies. Fluency in written and presentation skills (English) Independent motivation and team contributions Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend for interview. Additional Information: A successful candidate will be required to submit a passport, documentary evidence confirming academic qualifications, and to undergo a medical examination. Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance may also be required. References will be sought in relation to successful candidate. MTU welcomes applications from non-EEA citizens. However, employee permit regulations set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment must be strictly adhered to. Any appointment offer to Non-EEA candidates is subject to the granting of a work permit by Euraxess Ireland or relevant Immigration permissions/stamp. Candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence to support any statements made by them on their application form or any supporting documentation. Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their application. Application Process: Applications by MTU eRecruitment system only. Applications will not be accepted in any other format or through any other channel of communication. Please log on toto apply for this position. The information given in this document is of a general information nature only and should not be taken as contractual. Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1.00 pm on Wednesday 9th October 2024. . MTU is an equal opportunities employer Skills: Research Marketing Project Planning