Innovation Manager Intelligent Electrical Networks for a Sustainable Energy System

The energy system is embracing an ever increasing contribution of renewables like wind and solar in the energy mix. This brings new challenges towards the electrical grid. Massive amounts of offshore wind energy will need to be transported to land, which will require dedicated electrical grids based on High Voltage Direct Current technology. In order to cope with the intermittent nature of renewable energy production, the system will increasingly rely on flexible generation, energy storage and load control, i.e. flexibility. This will require an accelerated digitalization at all levels (transmission – distribution – prosumers). In addition, grids will need to be designed, protected and operated in a way that ensures a higher resilience versus large-scale disruptions, implying security-of-supply and cybersecurity concerns.

KU Leuven’s research group ELECTA is running a research program addressing the above challenges. This research is conducted within EnergyVille, the consortium of KU Leuven, VITO, imec and UHasselt at Thor Park in Genk, which develops technology and knowledge to support public and private stakeholders in the transition to an energy efficient, decarbonised and sustainable urban environment. See http://www.energyville.be.

The goal of Industrial Research Fund (lOF) at KU Leuven, is to accelerate the transfer of knowledge and innovations arising from strategic basic research to the market. A team of more than 40 experienced Innovation Managers, embedded within research groups throughout the University and University Hospital, achieve this goal primarily by establishing mutually beneficial, collaborative relationships with a broad range of external partners in industry, academia, as well as national and regional public-private organizations.

ELECTA and the IOF are looking for an Innovation Manager to initiate, develop and support the valorization strategy to bring research results in the above field into industrial reality. You will pursue opportunities for public and industrially funded projects, technology transfer, and potentially spin- off companies, in line with the mission of the Industrial Research Fund. You will be fully embedded in the involved research teams and work in close collaboration with our Tech Transfer Office (LRD). The office location is in the Genk area, but you will regularly be out on company visits and participate in (business) events in Belgium and abroad.

Website unit

Responsibilities

- Identifying and pursuing funding opportunities with national and international industry and public funding agencies;
- Developing new research project proposals (consortium establishment, project content & structure, proposal writing, IP, budgetting, …);
- (Co-)managing on-going research projects with a valorization focus;
- Developing and monitoring valorization strategy in EnergyVille’s Research Line ‘’Electrical Networks’’ (https://www.energyville.be/en/research/electrical-networks) and the HVDC and underground cable competence centre (HC³). Guiding research towards the most suitable valorization trajectories. This could entail active involvement in technology transfer or supporting spin-off creation;
- (Co-)managing and developing the test infrastructure and pilot installations at EnergyVille such as our Digital Grid Emulation Lab and Medium Voltage Lab;
- Promoting our research and valorization program at fairs, networking meetings and B2B meetings, while supporting the online presence.

Profile

- PhD or minimum 5 years of research experience in electrical power engineering. HVDC experience is an extra asset;
- Having experience in valorization of R&D results and/or business development, for example via (applications for) European projects, regional projects with industry involvement, bilateral industry cooperation;
- Familiar with principles of intellectual property, or keen to develop your knowledge in this field; 
- Having a network in the electrical grids industry in Belgium or abroad, or keen to develop such network;
- Being solution-driven, open-minded, proactive, and have an entrepreneurial mindset;
- Collaborative spirit and be willing to work as part of different research teams; 
- Good communication and negotiation skills;
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken; having knowledge of Dutch is a positive element, but not mandatory.

Offer

- An exciting and challenging job within a young, dynamic and ambitious R&D environment focused on continuous innovation and development in a transdisciplinary and international context;
- A permanent position, with attractive salary and extra-legal benefits, as Innovation Manager of the Industrial Research Fund (IOF) at KU Leuven, a world-famous university known for its innovation and tech transfer;
- The opportunity to contribute to the transition to a more sustainable carbon-circular economy.

More information

Energyville
Energyville - Electrical Networks

Interested?

For more information please contact Mrs. Mieke Coenen, tel.: +32 16 32 30 98, mail: mieke.coenen@kuleuven.be, Prof. dr. ir. Geert Deconinck, tel.: +32 16 32 11 26, mail: geert.deconinck@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Dirk Van Hertem, tel.: +32 16 32 34 62, mail: dirk.vanhertem@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.