Lab Manager to lead, manage and develop an ambitious “Digital Transformation” research lab

The Lab will form the foundations for development of smart products and prototypes via state-of-the-art advances within digital technologies and will showcase examples of these industry 4.0 products. The goal is to support and increase the innovativeness of local companies and help them identify and initiate R&D collaborations.

The position is full-time and initially a fixed-term of 3 years with a long-term goal of the Lab becoming a permanent facility.

You will be part of the industrial collaboration team at AU ENG and work closely with local stakeholders in Ringkøbing-Skjern, in particular the business council, and relevant AU ENG researchers. You will refer to the Head of the AU Centre for Digitalisation, Big Data and Data Analytics, AU DIGIT.

Job description and tasks

• Ensure start-up, development and successful long-term operations of AU-DTL in Skjern. You will lead the process of designing a sustainable financial base for continued operations after the initial 3 years.
• Establish, build and maintain strong relationships to key stakeholders, including local companies (SMEs and Large Enterprises), Aarhus University, Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality (RKSK) and RKSK Business Council.
• Design and run custom-made courses for local companies aimed at introducing the possibilities of working with AU researchers on i.e. collaborative research projects.
• Form partnerships with the aim of company-specific research collaborations.
• Identify and proactively initiate national/international project proposals and projects targeting relevant partners and target groups in industry and academia.
• Match-make AU ENG’s talent base of international researchers with companies to initiate company-driven high-tech R&D projects.
• Fundraise to secure the continued growth and operations of the Lab.
• Organise events for local companies, schools and other educational establishments to promote the activities going on at the Lab in close collaboration with AU ENG press office.
• Act as contact person for engineering students with Lab activities.
• Establish contact to, participate in, and maintain relevant professional networks and long-term network with other similar labs.
• Participate in the Lab’s advisory board.
• Public relations activities in close collaboration with AU ENG press office.

Desired skills

• You are most likely a Masters or PhD level graduate within computer or software engineering, computer science or similar within the digitalisation area with training and experience in research project development and management. A relevant post-graduate qualification such as an MBA is an advantage.
• You have a thorough understanding of today’s digital growth technologies and their potential and in-depth knowledge and experience within digital technological innovation and a strong network within this area. Industrial R&D experience, especially within digital technologies is a significant plus.
• A proven track-record for collaborating with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors and a proven track-record for collaborating with industry and university researchers.
• An understanding for R&D as well as demonstration projects in a university setting.
• A structured and analytical approach and ability to see the broader perspective.
• You easily connect to people and already have an established network of academic and professional contacts. Knowledge of the RKSK area and understanding of local companies is a plus.
• You are extrovert, positive of mind and focused. You have considerable drive and motivation to take up a challenge, build something from scratch, make your own mark and ensure it becomes a success.
• A proven track-record for securing research funding, including the professional preparation of proposal submissions and the financial management of R&D projects.
• You can safely, and happily, navigate in a multi-stakeholder environment with a complex structure of interests and motivation.
• You are a fluent communicator in English and in Danish.

Potential
We work in an international and multi-disciplinary environment with a digitalisation focus, developing and maintaining strong links to academia, industry and research laboratories in Denmark and worldwide.  You will be part of a dynamic and informal environment where dedication, creativity and focus on excellence are part of the job.

You will be working in the most productive area in Denmark with a strong manufacturing industry as business backbone. For the last three years, RKSK has achieved the highest GNP per resident in the region.

You will have plenty of opportunities for professional and personal development – including influence on your field of activities. The Lab in Skjern will be based at Innovest, a collaboration and innovation hub for business, start-ups and education – and will be the first in a series of similar digital transformation labs to help drive the potentials of the fourth industrial revolution to local businesses.

A process has been initiated in terms of reorganizing of engineering at Aarhus University. Read more here: https://eng.au.dk/en/news-and-events/news/show/artikel/new-organisation-...

For further information please contact Andy Drysdale adr@eng.au.dk
 
Formalities and salary range
Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed by clicking on 'Ansøg'. 

Please write in your application that you've seen the job at Jobfinder.