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Position Title:  Intellectual Property Specialist

Requisition ID:  821
Department:  Research Contracts Innovation
City:  Cape Town

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST

(Payclass 11; Permanent)

 

RESEARCH CONTRACTS AND 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 cost of employment, including benefits, is between R 751 755 and R 884 415.

 

To apply, please visit the www.jobs.uct.ac.za website to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Motivation/Cover letter that speaks to the specific requirements of the position.
  • Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone numbers.

 

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo an assessment undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

 

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms Hlubi Ntsizi at Hlubi.Ntsizi@uct.ac.za or 021 650 3831.

 

Closing date:                                    6 November 2024

Website:                                           www.hr.uct.ac.za

 

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 https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

 

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