Commercialisation and impact expert
Research and Innovation Services at the University of Jyväskylä is looking for a commercialisation and impact expert from 2 January 2026 or as soon as possible after that. The position is in effect until further notice.
At the University of Jyväskylä, our excellence in research rests on a strong ethical basis, extensive methodological expertise, the ability to utilize networks, and significant scientific and societal impact. High-quality research services and research infrastructure support the implementation of national and international research projects and new innovative initiatives in multidisciplinary research.
Our innovation activities aim to accelerate the creation of research-based spinout companies and ensure they receive the necessary funding to develop their business. In practice, our goal is to support the emergence and growth of research-driven startups from the earliest stages.
The open position is in Research and Innovation Services (RIS). RIS assists researchers in applying for external funding, supports the utilisation and commercialisation of research results, and develops the conditions for the University's research activities.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a service-oriented professional with experience working in a higher education or research organisation, particularly in securing competitive research funding and supporting research commercialisation.
As a commercialisation and impact expert, you will assist researchers in preparing research projects and in the utilisation of research results. You will support the commercialisation process from idea or research outcome to a fully funded spinout company. You will be responsible for designing and implementing the commercialisation pathway in close collaboration with researchers and other university stakeholders.
A key part of your role is to ensure that promising initiatives secure appropriate funding – for example, through Business Finland’s Research to Business (R2B) funding, EU funding instruments, or other Proof of Concept-type funding schemes. Prior to incorporation, you will ensure that the business plan is investment-ready and support the preparation and implementation of the funding strategy.
The role places particular emphasis on describing and implementing the Impact and Commercialisation Pathway sections of research projects in collaboration with researchers. Building successful projects requires expertise in research commercialisation and the ability to identify economic potential. Your responsibilities will include identifying collaboration partners, engaging in network cooperation, participating in consortia, supporting commercialisation efforts, and developing the conditions for impact and commercialisation.
We expect you to be proactive, self-directed, and collaborative. You possess sound judgement and the ability to see the bigger picture, identifying value-adding information for researchers and synthesising insights from various sources. You are a strong team player but also capable of working independently and managing your own work thoughtfully.
Expert is required to have
- a master’s degree
- experience in research commercialisation
- familiarity with Business Finland’s R2B process
- excellent oral and written communication skills in Finnish and English
- strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
The following will be considered an advantage
- research experience
- experience working in a university setting
- familiarity with PoC instruments (e.g. Research Council of Finland, ERC) and EIC funding schemes
- experience in startups
- experience with venture capital funding
Benefits
At the University of Jyväskylä, you are a recognized member of our community with a unique opportunity to influence international research. We offer an interesting assignment where you will work alongside researchers from different disciplines in the international academic community. Our diverse staff training offers you the opportunity for continuous development of your own competence. We take care of your well-being by providing you with good occupational health services, sports services and benefits. You can spend two hours of your working time per week exercising. Flexible working hours and the possibility of partial remote work support the balance between work and leisure.
The salary for an expert is determined based on the task-specific demand level MV09-MV10 of the university salary system for other expert and support service staff. The salary range will be approximately 3700-4800 €/month (gross income), depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. A trial period of six months will be used at the beginning of the employment.
How to apply?
The application documents that should be included in PDF format:
- A Curriculum vitae (CV).
- A Motivation letter (max 2 pages).
For further information, please contact Leena Sivula, Director of Research Services, leena.sivula@jyu.fi, or by phone (+358 40 805 5116) on October 21 from 13.00 to 14.00 and October 28 from 9.30 to 10.30.
Applicants are kindly asked to submit their applications using the online application form by October 30, 2025. Applications sent via emails are not considered. The interviews will be held on November 14, 2025.
Our application process is transparent and professional. We communicate openly with the applicants throughout the recruitment process. We value equality and diversity in our work community and encourage qualified applicants, regardless of background, to apply for this position.
Research and Innovation Services
Research and Innovation Services (RIS) assists researchers in applying for external funding, supports the utilisation and commercialisation of research results, and develops the conditions for the University's research activities.
The University of Jyväskylä is a human-centred environment of 2,800 experts and 14,900 students. Our goal is to create wisdom and wellbeing for us all. It is essential that each member of the community thrives and has opportunities to develop and grow. We cherish openness of thinking as well as the balance between research and education. Our naturally beautiful campus is located at the heart of the city of Jyväskylä. JYU is the third largest employer in Central Finland.
Information for the applicant
The application form cannot be saved as a draft. However, after submitting you can return to edit your application via the link you receive by email. The application can be edited until the application deadline.
You have 6 hours to complete your application before the timeout.
