Senior / Commercialisation Advisor

Job Description:

Te Rōpū Rangahau | Research & Innovation
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Two, fixed-term 12 month positions
• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• 4 weeks annual leave + 5 days university holidays
• Make a direct contribution to the real-world impact of UC research

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

Turn research breakthroughs into products, services, licences and ventures that create meaningful economic and social benefit. We are recruiting for two fixed-term roles, a Senior Commercialisation Advisor and a Commercialisation Advisor, offering the opportunity to match the scope of the role to your experience.

Working alongside researchers, professional advisers, investors and industry partners, you will:

• Assess research discoveries and intellectual property with researchers, subject-matter experts and professional advisers.
• Undertake market, competitor and potential licensee research, including opportunity sizing, valuation and commercial analysis.
• Support intellectual property strategy, patentability and freedom-to-operate analysis with patent attorneys and other specialists.
• Recommend and progress appropriate knowledge-transfer pathways, including licensing and new venture creation.
• Develop compelling business cases and investment proposals, and manage funded projects and reporting.
• Support due diligence, commercial negotiations, and the drafting and management of agreements.
• Build productive relationships with KiwiNet, the Commercialisation Partner Network, Callaghan Innovation technology incubators, investors and industry.
• Help researchers articulate credible commercialisation and impact pathways for funding proposals, including MBIE opportunities.
• Educate, advise and inspire UC staff about intellectual property and the benefits of commercialising innovation.

Commercialisation Advisor: You will support and manage innovation projects across the commercialisation lifecycle, applying sound analysis, project management and relationship skills to help move opportunities forward.

Senior Commercialisation Advisor: You will bring greater depth of commercialisation experience, independently lead complex opportunities, shape portfolio and investment decisions, provide senior-level advice, and deputise for the IP & Commercialisation Manager when required.

When applying online you will be asked to indicate which role(s) you are applying for.

Mōu | Who You Are

You are commercially curious, analytical and collaborative. You can move confidently between technical detail, market evidence and stakeholder relationships, and you are motivated by helping ideas achieve impact beyond the University.

You will be able to demonstrate experience in:

• Technology, product or service commercialisation, investment proposals, start-ups, technology companies, research organisations or commercialisation service providers.
• Technology or product development, including market and commercialisation planning.
• Intellectual property management and protection mechanisms.
• Project management and the development of persuasive business cases or investment proposals.
• Communicating complex information clearly, with the confidence to influence, negotiate and advise a wide range of people.
• A relevant Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering (NZQA Level 8), or a business or legal qualification combined with relevant industry experience.
• Using Microsoft Office, database applications and research tools effectively.
• For appointment at Senior level, demonstrated experience leading complex commercialisation projects, securing investment, managing external networks and providing authoritative advice.
• An alignment with our organisation’s values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will join Te Rōpū Rangahau | Research & Innovation and work closely with the IP & Commercialisation Manager, commercialisation advisers, UC researchers and research funding colleagues. You will also engage with external stakeholders such as other university commercialisation offices, industry contacts, investors, funders and specialist advisers.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangement
• professional development opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for these positions is: Sunday 18 October 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications must be submitted through our careers website and should include a cover letter and CV. Please indicate whether you wish to be considered for the Commercialisation Advisor role, the Senior Commercialisation Advisor role, or both. Candidates may be considered at the level that best matches their experience and demonstrated capability.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email. For queries about the application process, contact [email protected].

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.

The roles are based onsite.