PROGRAMME MANAGER INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS

Gogri Hub for Membrane Research | IIT Bombay Research Park

Position at a Glance:

Reporting to: Principal Investigator (Prof. Swatantra P. Singh)

Functional Link: ITRI Programme Office

Location: IIT Bombay Research Park, Mumbai

Employment: Full-time | 2-year contract (renewable)

About the Gogri Hub:

The Gogri Hub is India's first integrated translational membrane technology platform, established at IIT Bombay to bridge laboratory research and industrial commercialization.

With state-of-the-art facilities for hollow fibre spinning, flat-sheet membrane fabrication, electrospinning and energy membranes, the Hub supports innovation across water, air filtration, healthcare, energy, industrial separation and advanced materials.

Unlike a conventional research laboratory, the Hub operates as an industry-facing translational engineering facility, enabling companies, startups and researchers to develop, validate and commercialize new technologies.

Position Summary:

The Programme Manager will lead the operations and commercialization of the Gogri Hub.

The role combines industry engagement, technology operations, programme management and business development to maximize facility utilization, build strategic industry partnerships and translate research into commercially viable products.

This is not a laboratory management role. We are looking for someone who can run the Hub like a high-end engineering services businessconnecting industry problems with technical solutions, prototype development and technology transfer.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Industry Engagement & Business Development:

- Build partnerships with industry, startups and R&D organizations.

- Develop a pipeline of collaborative projects and technology transfer opportunities.

- Convert industrial problem statements into prototype development programmes.

- Drive revenue through contract research, testing, training and facility utilization.

- Represent the Hub through industry events, demonstrations and outreach programmes.

2. Technology Operations:

- Lead commissioning and operation of all technology platforms.

- Maximize equipment utilization and operational efficiency.

- Oversee procurement, maintenance, laboratory safety and quality systems.

- Develop SOPs and utilization plans for all facilities.

3. Technology Translation:

- Work with researchers and industry to develop prototypes and pilot solutions.

- Support validation, scale-up and commercialization of technologies.

- Coordinate technology transfer and industry adoption.

4. Programme & Team Management:

- Own the Hub's project plan, budgets, milestones and governance reporting.

- Lead the operations team and coordinate multidisciplinary technical projects.

- Monitor KPIs, risks and project delivery.

5. Ecosystem Development:

- Build collaborations across academia, industry and government.

- Support startups, organize training programmes and industry showcases.

- Capture operational best practices and contribute to ITRI's national TRC network.

Who Should Apply:

We are looking for professionals who enjoy solving industrial problems through technology. Candidates may come from one or more of the following backgrounds:

1. Contract Research & Technology Services:

- CROs, CDMOs, CRAMS, industrial R&D centres, technology development organizations or engineering service providers.

2. Manufacturing Operations:

- Factory, plant or operations leadership roles in filtration, membranes, HVAC, water treatment, chemicals, advanced materials, process industries or medical devices.

3. Engineering & EPC:

- Engineering consulting, EPC, industrial projects, capital equipment or process engineering organizations.

Essential Competencies:

- Strong industry engagement and business development skills.

- Experience managing technology or engineering operations.

- Ability to translate research into industrial solutions.

- Programme and project management capability.

- Commercial acumen and customer orientation.

- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

- Structured problem-solving with strong execution discipline.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Technology or Applied Sciences (MBA desirable).

- 7-10 years of relevant experience in one or more of the following:

1. Manufacturing or plant operations.

2. Industrial R&D or prototype development.

3. Contract research or technology services.

4. Engineering consulting or EPC.

5. Technology commercialization or business development.

- Experience in membrane technology is desirable but not essential.

Success in the Role:

Within the first 24 months, the Programme Manager is expected to:

- Establish the Gogri Hub as a preferred industry partner for prototype development.

- Achieve high utilization of the Hub's technology platforms.

- Build a strong portfolio of industry collaborations and technology transfer projects.

- Develop sustainable revenue streams through contract research, testing and training.

- Build a high-performing operations team and position the Hub as a model Translational Research Centre.