Coordinator, Scientific and Commercial Valorization Office (OVC2)

About the role

INDICASAT is looking for a scientist‑entrepreneur to lead its Oficina de Valorización Científica y Comercial (OVC2). The Coordinator will build the institute’s capability to turn research outputs into patents, spin‑offs, licences and investment opportunities, positioning Panama as a hub for life‑science innovation.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement a systematic process to identify, evaluate and pipeline technologies with commercial potential.
• Assess scientific novelty, IP position, TRL, market size, regulatory barriers and licensing or spin‑off opportunities.
• Coordinate protection of inventions, work with IP attorneys, and develop international patent strategies.
• Lead freedom‑to‑operate analyses, patentability assessments, technology valuation and the drafting of licensing, confidentiality and sponsored‑research agreements.
• Act as business‑development lead: identify and engage pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostic, agricultural and technology companies, prepare partnership proposals and negotiate agreements together with senior leadership.

Required profile

• Scientist‑entrepreneur with experience in translating research into commercial outcomes.
• Strong understanding of life‑science sectors such as drug discovery, molecular diagnostics, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, AI for life sciences, natural products and agricultural biotechnology.
• Proven ability to work across research, IP, industry and investment stakeholders.

Required skills

• Intellectual property management
• Patentability and freedom‑to‑operate analysis
• Technology valuation and readiness assessment
• Licensing and technology‑transfer negotiations
• Business development and partnership building