Director of Innovation, Associate Secretary, 1 FTE, Permanent 011775
Applications are invited for an appointment as Director of Innovation, a full-time, permanent position, at the University of Galway.
The University of Galway is an ambitious, globally facing university with a vibrant research and innovation ecosystem, and an emphasis on engagement and impact.
Reporting to the Vice-President for Research and Innovation, the Director of Innovation drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialisation of research output and leads the Innovation Office, a key driver of Galway’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With the support of the Technology Transfer Strengthening Initiative, the Innovation Office has created a high-performing and sustainable environment for knowledge transfer. The office has a strong track record in achieving its targets and delivering on the University’s strategy for innovation. In line with Regional Needs and National Smart Specialisation Strategy for Innovation (2022-2027) and with the support of KT Boost, the goal is to scale and grow in several key priority areas over the coming years so that the University can excel as an innovation and economic driver in our region.
The Innovation Office drives the translation of research outputs, expertise, and infrastructure into societal and economic impact. It partners with researchers to identify, develop, and protect new inventions, and works with industry to build collaborations and licensing opportunities. It also strengthens entrepreneurial activity by supporting spinouts and early-stage companies through the University’s Innovation Centres, while supporting innovation-led regional and national growth.
Since 2020, the University has created 24 new spin‑out companies, identified 240 new inventions, and undertaken 300 new industry collaborations. The Innovation Office has supported more than 100 start-ups that have collectively secured €800m in funding and created over 3,300 jobs.
As outlined in the University Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Of Galway, For the World, the University is deeply embedded in a city recognised globally for innovation across health, sustainability, and the creative sectors, supported by strong international and indigenous enterprise and a vibrant start‑up culture. Galway is also one of six global hubs for medical technologies. The University is also home to national innovation programmes including BioInnovate, Construct Innovate and the new ARC Hub for HealthTech, as well as being the leading performer in the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.
The postholder will continue to support our areas of existing strength and look to develop new domains based on our research ambitions.
Information on the Innovation Office is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/innovation/
Information on the University's Strategic Plan is available at: Strategy | Straitéis 2025-2030 - University of Galway
For informal enquiries, please contact Josephine.hynes@universityofgalway.ie
Salary: €111,114 - €148,547 per annum pro rata for part time/short term roles (applicable to new entrants effective from January 2011) and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the QA321 University’s Remuneration & Payroll Policy.
This appointment will be made on the Associate Secretary scale in line with current Government pay policy.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 (Irish Time) on Thursday, 4th of June 2026. It will not be possible to consider applications received after the closing date.
Appointments will be conditional on work authorisation validation. Further details are available at www.dbei.ie
For more information and Application Form please see Jobs - University of Galway. Applications should be submitted online. Please see further information on how to apply here: E-Recruit - University of Galway and Guidelines for On-line Applications (universityofgalway.ie)
Please note that appointments to posts advertised will be dependent upon University approval, together with the terms of the Employment Control Framework for the higher education sector.
University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.
Application Instructions
If you are an existing University of Galway employee, please use the University of Galway Core Portal to apply for this post. The following is a link to the Core Portal http://ess.universityofgalway.ie. Core Portal user guides can be found at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/human-resources/employeeselfservice/. Please ensure that you read the attached guide prior to applying for this post and allow sufficient time to make your online submission in advance of closing date. Please note that closing dates/times cannot be extended for user error.
Unfortunately, late applications cannot be accepted.
Please note agency staff will need to have three months’ continuous service at the closing date of the advertised post. Further information on CORE portal can be found here CorePortal User Guide - University of Galway.
Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post.
The completed application document must be submitted online to reach the Human Resources Office no later than 17:00 (Irish Time) on Thursday, 4th of June 2026.