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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST
(Payclass 11; Permanent)
Research Contracts & Innovation Department (RC&I)
In addition to negotiating research contracts entered into with our wide variety of funders, RC&I fulfills the role of a “Technology Transfer Office” managing Intellectual Property (IP), maturing technologies and ultimately commercialising IP through licensing or spin-off company creation (innovation). We invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons for this permanent post.
The IP Specialist works with staff and postgraduate students to identify and assess potentially protectable IP emanating from their research. A close relationship is maintained with researchers to raise awareness of IP and to scout for new inventions. Due diligence is conducted to select the best mode of IP protection, assess patentability and prior art, establish inventorship, liaise with joint owners of the IP and understand funder obligations and rights. The IP Specialist works with an Innovation Commercialisation Manager to establish the commercial potential or societal benefit of the IP.
A portfolio of cases is managed by the IP Specialist, by using the Inteum database and implementing the RC&I Stage-Gate process and contributing to the report on which Gate Review decisions, regarding whether the next stage of IP protection should be pursued, are based. In certain instances, the Specialist is also responsible for the commercialisation of the IP.
Requirements:
- An Honours in Science or 4 years Bachelors in Engineering degree (NQF 8)
- Two years’ relevant experience in a Technology Transfer Office or in a new product commercialisation environment.
- Experience and demonstrated expertise in intellectual property protection in the areas of patents, trademarks and
copyright. - General knowledge of business practices and laws relating to the protection of intellectual property and its
commercialisation; an understanding of the types of contracts involved in IP transactions; strong familiarity and working
knowledge of the IPR Act and institutional IP Policies. - Knowledge of the requirements of business plans, technology development, route to market and commercialisation.
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Organisational and self-management skills
Advantageous:
Preference will be given to candidates with a master’s degree and/or RTTP registration.
Responsibilities:
Are detailed more fully in the job description, but key performance areas include:
- Identification, screening /and assessment of IP arising from research.
- Liaison with patent attorneys for application and prosecution of IP protection.
- Management of a portfolio of cases using the Inteum database and critical review of cases in preparation for Gate
Reviews. - IP commercialisation and related legal agreements, application of relevant legislation and the UCT IP Policy.
- IP awareness raising, seminars and events, IP scouting and communication / marketing of technologies.
- Reporting to funders, the National IP Management Office / statutory reporting, news articles.
The annual remuneration package, including benefits is between R 711 889 and R 837 514.
To apply, please e-mail the below documents in a single PDF file to Hlubi Ntsizi at recruitment07@uct.ac.za
- UCT Application Form (download at http://forms.uct.ac.za/hr201.doc)
- Cover letter, and
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Please ensure the title and reference number are indicated in the subject line. An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be required to undergo a competency test.
Telephone: 021 650 3831
Website: http://www.rci.uct.ac.za
Reference number: E230393
Closing date: 14 January 2024
UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at
http://www.uct.ac.za/downloads/uct.ac.za/about/policies/eepolicy.pdf
UCT reserves the right not to appoint
All the best with your applications
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