12.01.2026 We are seeking an experienced and visionary Innovation Hub Director to lead our innovation agenda and drive sustainable growth. This will be a senior leadership role focused on driving innovation, translating research to impact, and building ecosystems across scientific, clinical, and commercial partners.
This role will be responsible for shaping and executing the ICTER’s innovation strategy, identifying new opportunities, and embedding a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement across the organization.
The Innovation Hub Director will become part of and work closely with the ICTER board, senior leadership, and external partners to turn ideas into impactful products, services, and business models.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Innovation Leadership
- Define and implement a long-term innovation strategy that aligns with ICTER’s scientific mission and translational goals.
- Anticipate technological opportunities and emerging trends in ophthalmology, vision sciences, medical devices, and health tech.
- Ecosystem Building & External Partnerships
- Build and nurture strong collaborations with industry players (e.g., med-tech, biotech, digital health), investors, hospitals, universities and stakeholders in the broader healthcare ecosystem.
- Act as a central liaison between ICTER researchers and external innovation partners, helping to match scientific strengths with commercial and clinical needs.
- Technology Transfer & Commercialisation Support
- Oversee pathways for intellectual property creation and protection, and support the transition of research outputs into patents, licensing deals, partnerships or spin-offs.
- Work closely with technology transfer, legal, and business development teams to shape commercialization plans.
- Programme Development & Implementation
- Develop and manage innovation programmes, accelerators, pilot projects, and proof-of-concept initiatives that help researchers test and scale new technologies.
- Introduce best practices in innovation management, project evaluation, and impact metrics.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Represent ICTER at industry conferences, investor forums, and scientific meetings to attract partners, funding and visibility for the innovation portfolio.
- Communicate ICTER’s vision and innovation achievements internally and externally to foster culture and awareness.
- Operational & Team Leadership
- Lead a multidisciplinary team focused on innovation support and operations, ensuring delivery against milestones and institutional goals.
- Promote a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that encourages risk-taking, creativity, and interdisciplinary work.
Qualifications & Experience
- Ph.D. degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field;
- 10+ years of experience in innovation, strategy, product development, or transformation roles;
- Proven leadership in research-driven innovation environments (academia, research centres, med-tech industry or hubs/accelerators);
- Strong understanding of technology transfer, intellectual property, commercialisation, and research funding models (especially EU frameworks);
- Experience building partnerships across science, clinical practice, and industry;
- Strategic mindset with ability to translate complex scientific advances into practical, impactful solutions;
- Excellent communication skills and international orientation (English required; Polish an advantage);
- Ability to navigate interdisciplinary environments and engage diverse stakeholders.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation package (director-level salary, based on experience and qualifications);
- Opportunity to shape the future direction of the company;
- High-visibility leadership role with executive exposure;
- Collaborative and forward-thinking work environment;
- Full-time employment with flexible working arrangements (task-based work/occasional remote work),
- Opportunities for training and professional development (courses, job shadowing),
- Private medical care.
How to apply?
Apply by sending your CV to icter_jobs@ichf.edu.pl, with the recruitment number (R_2/2026_ICTER) in the subject line.
Deadline for applications: 5 February 2026
