Specialist Researcher Enterprise Development and Commercialisation (Roodeplaat) Job at Agricultural Research Council

Description

• Assess the commercial potential of innovations or inventions.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis.
• Perform technical and commercial due diligence.
• Manage the transition from research to development to commercialization.
• Develop commercialization strategies (e.g., licensing, startup creation, partnerships).
• Define business models and go-to-market plans.
• Identify and engage potential industry partners or licensees.
• Negotiate terms for licensing, spinouts, and collaboration agreements.
• Assist in the creation of spinouts, including business plan development and investor engagement.
• Provide input on governance, funding, and operational models.
• Work with IP/legal teams to manage patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property assets.
• Support patent filing decisions based on commercial relevance.
• Liaise with researchers, investors, legal teams, and business development units.
• Build and manage industry and investor relationships.
• Write reports, pitch decks, and funding proposals.

Requirements

• Relevant PhD or DSc in Agricultural Economics/ Business Administration or Management or related field or a Masters’s degree with MBA/MBL 10 years relevant experience. 
• Additional qualification in Business Development, IP Law, or Commercial Law is advantageous.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in Agribusiness development, commercialization of agricultural products or technologies, value chain development and market research and entry strategies.
• Understanding of R&D processes and product development cycles.
• At least 8 years of experience in agribusiness development, commercialization projects.
• Income generation to a level of at least r10 million or more.
• Proven record of accomplishment of being an invited international speaker or being involved/ invited as participant in international events of high importance.
• Proven track record of accomplishment for generating external income for programme and project in programme.
• Proven track record of development of new varieties and registration of BPR.
• Proven track record of strategic and operational planning skills and expertise registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Management qualification will be added advantage.
• Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications. Meets peer norm requirements for specific field of expertise, with a minimum (on average) of three peer-reviewed publications per year. Minimum 25 peer reviewed publications at date of appointment. 
• Registration with a scientific and professional body will be an added advantage.
• Experience in commercial strategy development and go to market planning.
• Awareness of market trends and competitor analysis.
• Ability to assess market viability, commercial potential, and business model.
• Strong communication and researchers, legal teams, investors, and business partners.
• Ability to work with legal teams on licensing agreements, contracts, MTAs and NDAs.
• Proven ability to negotiate, influence, and build strategic partnership.
• Excellence project planning, budgeting, and timeline management skills.
• Experience working with agribusiness will be added as advantage.
• Good ability to write proposals and investors communication.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and self-motivated.
• Familiar with local, regional, and international agricultural markets.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting agricultural trade.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office, customer relationship management (CRM), or project management tools.
• Experience with startup ecosystems, venture capital, or spinouts is highly valuable.
• Valid driver’s license.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 31 JANUARY 2026