General Manager, Research and Technology Transfer, KBI 2 at The Kenya BioVax Institute

Job Purpose:

The General Manager, Research and Technology Transfer Department shall provide overall leadership, accountability and is responsible for developing, implementing and executing strategies and plans that will guarantee innovative research, product and technology transfer activities at the Institute to develop new products and improve on existing products within the institute. Additionally, the GM Research and Technology Transfer will develop innovative processes to promote product quality and scope in the local and regional pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Requirements:

• A minimum period of twelve (12) years in relevant work experience and at least four (4) years in a management position in the public sector;
• PhD in biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical qualifications will provide an added advantage. Publication of at least five scientific papers in a peer reviewed Journal as the first author or 15 papers in co-authored articles;
• Masters’ degree in any of the following disciplines: Life Sciences, biomedical sciences, Pharmaceutical or its equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution;
• Bachelors’ degree in any of the following disciplines: Life Sciences, biomedical sciences, Pharmaceutical or its equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution.
• Supervision of at least 6 Master students or one PhD student thesis;
• Professional qualification and membership to a professional body where applicable;
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Demonstrated merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results; and

Fulfill the requirements of Chapter six (6) of the constitution.

Job Specification

Key Competencies and skills

• Integrity
• Decision making and problem-solving skills
• Analytical and conceptual skills
• Results-driven
• High emotional intelligence
• Leadership skills
• Organizational skills
• Managerial skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Team spirit
• Adaptability
• Conflict management skills
• Coaching and mentoring skills
• Budgeting and planning
• Communication skills
• Negotiation skills

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee the development, evaluation and release of new vaccines, and other products;
• Coordinate technology transfer from partner companies or institutions to the Institute;
• Collaborate with other local, regional and global research institutions and pharmaceutical companies in product development of new products and technologies;
• Coordinate resource mobilization to support research and development, and technology transfer;
• Coordinate mining of appropriate technologies;
• Provide support to the production and quality control departments/units in the aspects of equipment installation, operation qualification, process validation, and testing method validation;
• Submit Institute’s innovations with Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) potential to the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI), and where possible to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO);
• Facilitate preparation and communication of research findings emanating from the Institute R & D activities through policy briefs, technical reports, and publication in peer review journals;
• Monitor biomedical technology trends through regular attendance and presentation to local, regional and global conferences and workshops;
• Coordinate the development, implementation and monitoring of intellectual property rights policy;
• Develop research and technology transfer policies, standards and guidelines;
• Oversee implementation of departmental budgets, work plans, procurement plans; and
• Coordinate preparation of departmental technical reports and board papers as required.