Section Lead for Deep Tech, Quantum, AI, Digital & SSH Innovation

About the role

As Section Lead, you will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary experienced team of innovation professionals working across deep tech, quantum technologies, AI and digital innovation, as well as innovation within the social sciences and humanities. You will play a key role in strengthening the University of Copenhagen's innovation pipeline and ensuring that researchers receive world-class support in bringing their knowledge and discoveries into society. As the organisation is entering a new phase of development, the Section Lead will play a key role in translating strategic priorities into operational reality – in strong collaboration with the team. The successful candidate will help shape team structures, establish ways of working, and lead colleagues through change in a collaborative and empowering manner. The position combines people leadership, change management, strategic development, stakeholder engagement, and operational management. You will report to the Head of Division for Researcher Innovation & Entrepreneurship and become part of the division's leadership team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of experienced innovation advisors and specialists, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive culture.
• Drive the University of Copenhagen's innovation pipeline across Deep Tech, Quantum, AI, Digital, and SSH Innovation, ensuring high-quality project assessment, maturation, and impact creation.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with researchers, faculties, industry, investors, public-sector stakeholders, and the wider innovation ecosystem.
• Lead organizational development and change management, translating strategic ambitions into effective structures, processes, and ways of working.
• Contribute to the strategic development of KU Lighthouse, including leading cross-organizational AI initiatives and promoting the use of AI to strengthen innovation support, organizational capabilities, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience, including people management and organizational development.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with experience in research, innovation and commercialization.
• Strong knowledge of one or more of the section's focus areas: Deep Tech, Quantum, AI, Digital Technologies, or SSH Innovation.
• Understanding of AI and the ability to drive cross-organizational AI initiatives and collaboration.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across academia, industry, investors, and the public sector.
• Experience in IP, negotiations, and/or license agreements (a plus).

Qualifications

A master's degree or PhD in a relevant field.

Benefits

• A strategic leadership role with significant influence; part of KU Lighthouse management team (four Section Leads and two Division Heads).
• Opportunity to build and shape a newly established section.
• Highly skilled and dedicated team of colleagues.
• Strong links to leading researchers, startups, investors, and innovation partners.