Technology Valorisation Manager – Materials

VITO is one of Europe’s leading research centers, with more than 1,300 employees dedicated to turning scientific insights into technological innovations, AI solutions and policy advice. Our mission is clear: to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

As a science-to-technology partner, VITO works with companies, governments and society to develop solutions that help industry and ecosystems thrive within planetary boundaries. Through our multidisciplinary expertise, state-of-the-art labs and extensive network of innovation partners, we translate scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications.

To strengthen the valorisation of our research in the Materials & Chemistry unit, we are looking for a:

Technology Valorisation Manager – Materials

Your role

As Technology Valorisation Manager, you operate at the interface between research and industrial innovation. You play a key rol in translating emerging technologies into impactful industrial collaborations, accelerating the path from scientific breakthrough to real-world application.

You will join the Business Development team within the Materials & Chemistry unit and report to the Valorisation Director. By working closely with scientists, program managers and industry partners, you will shape valorisation strategies and build high-impact partnerships.

Your initial focus will be on technologies related to coating and shaping of structured materials (e.g. using 3D printing), with applications in areas such as chemical catalysis and climate solutions (e.g. CO2 capture and conversion).

Over time, you will broaden your scope across the broader technology portfolio of the unit and explore cross-domain synergies within VITO.

Your responsibilities

Together with the research teams you will:

• Develop technology valorisation strategies

  • Define and implement valorisation roadmaps for promising innovative technologies

  • Identify and define industrial collaboration opportunities

  • Translate technological capabilities into collaboration concepts and application opportunities

• Build and expand industry collaborations

  • Maintain and further develop relationships with existing industrial partners.

  • Identify and engage new partners within relevant ecosystems.

  • Develop strategic collaborations together with lead scientists.

• Accelerate technology transfer and industrial adoption

  • Help bring technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels through collaborative R&D projects.

  • Contribute to licensing, technology transfer or co-development trajectories in close collaboration with the IP and Tech Transfer Office.

• Enable collaborative innovation

  • Initiate and shape collaborative innovation projects.

  • Contribute to the development of joint R&D proposals with industry 

  • Drive targeted outreach and communication in collaboration with marketing

• Monitor progress and impact

  • Follow up contract research activities and key partnerships.

  • Maintain relevant information in the CRM system.

  • Report on valorisation activities and progress to internal stakeholders.

We are looking for a professional who enjoys working at the interface of technology, innovation and industrial collaboration.

You:

• Hold a Master’s or PhD in engineering, materials science, chemistry or a related field.

• Have experience in innovation management, technology valorisation, partnerships or business development in an R&D or technology environment.

• Understand how research results can translate into industrial applications and collaborative innovation projects.

• Are interested in emerging materials technologies and sustainability-driven innovation.

• Can analyze technology and market trends and translate them into collaboration opportunities.

• Are a strategic thinker who can convert ideas into concrete plans and initiatives.

• Build trust-based relationships with internal experts and external partners.

• Communicate easily with both scientists and industrial stakeholders.

• Are fluent in English; Dutch is a plus.

We welcome candidates with different levels of experience who are motivated to grow into a strategic role at the intersection of science and industry.

What we offer

At VITO you will work in an internationally recognized research environment where science and innovation create real-world impact.

You can expect:

• The opportunity to contribute directly to sustainable technological innovations addressing global societal challenges.

• A dynamic and multidisciplinary environment with leading scientists and innovation experts.

• A competitive salary complemented by a range of extra-legal benefits including insurance and a flexible holiday package.

• Extensive opportunities for learning and professional development.

• Flexible working arrangements with activity-based working and possibilities for home working.

• A strong commitment to work-life balance.

• Your main work location will be Mol, with occasional presence in other VITO locations.