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

Vacancy No.: KBI/02/02/2025

Job Purpose

The General Manager, Research and Technology Transfer is responsible for overseeing the transfer of production, maintenance, and associated technology and knowledge within a vaccines and biologics manufacturing entity. The role provides strategic leadership in research, grants management, innovation, and technology transfer to ensure the development and commercialization of new or improved technologies and processes.

Requirements

• At least fifteen (15) years of relevant work experience, five (5) years of which must have been in a Management position in the Public or Private Sector.
• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Environmental Health, Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Health Economics, Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Medicine, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Laboratory Sciences, Analytical/Applied Chemistry, Applied Sciences/Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Food Science and Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Biotechnology, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• 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.
• Fulfill the requirements of Chapter six (6) of the constitution.

Key Competencies and Skills

• Research and Development and Technology Transfer skills.
• Managerial, Supervisory, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Organizational and administrative skills.
• Analytical and conceptual skills.
• Ability to form and maintain partnerships and collaborations.
• Negotiation and conflict management skills.
• Integrity.
• Results-driven.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Overseeing the designing, evaluation, and implementation of strategies, policies, standards, and guidelines for research innovation and technology transfer.
• Setting the research and innovation agenda for the Institute.
• Spearheading the overall planning, forecasting, and release of vaccines, biologicals, and biomedical products.
• Overseeing innovation, research and development, and technology transfer activities in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Managing a repository of potential biologics, vaccines, and products for analysis and development.
• Overseeing preparation of research findings through policy briefs, technical reports, and peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Leading partner engagement and development of networks to support innovation, research, and technology transfer.
• Spearheading grant applications and collaborative research with institutions such as KEMRI, universities, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Overseeing product innovation, technology transfer, and responses to pandemics and emergencies.
• Ensuring horizon scanning for emerging technologies and trends to ensure product viability.
• Promoting the establishment and maintenance of cutting-edge equipment, technologies, and systems to support research and technology transfer.
• Overseeing the identification and acquisition of appropriate technologies through literature reviews, patent analysis, and internal brainstorming sessions.
• Coordinating technology transfer between the Institute and partner institutions.
• Ensuring compliance with local and international regulatory requirements and best practices for innovation, research, and technology transfer.
• Leading the development, review, and implementation of work plans, budgets, procurement plans, and performance targets.
• Mobilizing resources through grant applications, lobbying, and stakeholder engagement to support research and technology transfer activities.
• Providing technical advice to the Director General/CEO and senior management on research and technology transfer matters.
• Overseeing the protection of Institute innovations through Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and copyright registrations with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• Managing career development, staff appraisal, mentorship, training, skill-building, and succession planning within the department.
• Implementing quality management systems and risk management in research and technology transfer.
• Disseminating research findings locally and internationally through policy briefs, technical reports, and publications.
• Overseeing the timely preparation of Board papers on relevant technical matters.