Intellectual Property Officer (P7) (Research & Innovation: Technology Transfer Office)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan university, anchored in Africa and driven by a powerful strategy focused on attaining global excellence and stature (GES). With an emphasis on independent thinking, sustainable development and strategic partnerships, UJ is an international university of choice. The University is guided by the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of “Positioning UJ in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the context of the changing social, political and economic fortunes of Africa”.
Job description
- Promote awareness and encourage intellectual property creation within the institution;
- Support faculties and divisions in activities that promote the development of intellectual property;
- Evaluate new invention disclosures;
- Define intellectual property strategies for UJ technologies;
- Manage the patent prosecution process and maintenance of the intellectual property portfolio;
- Management and reporting of patent and related records, making optimal use of available information management systems;
- Seek opportunities for exploitation of UJ technologies;
- Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including relevant university departments, funders/investors (public and private), collaborators, entrepreneurs and government entities.
Minimum requirements
- An Honours or 4-year degree qualification in a relevant field (possession of a Masters degree is desirable).
- At least 3-5 years of relevant working experience.
- Understanding of the South African innovation ecosystem.
- Comprehensive knowledge of general developments and trends in intellectual property
- Understanding of legal matters and associated administrative procedures with regards to intellectual property
- Knowledge of funding opportunities for intellectual property development and technology transfer
- Good presentation and facilitation skills
- Ability to build internal and external networks on all levels
- Understanding of macro structures within an academic institution
- Understanding of research management principles and procedures
- Ability to communicate issues relating to technology transfer at all levels
- Ability to work in cross-functional teams
- Critical thinking skills
- Sound judgement and sound decision making skills
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Analytical and problem solving skills
- Service-oriented
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Entrepreneurial experience
- Experience working in a higher education institution
- Knowledge of the IPRPFRD Act
- Trans-disciplinary qualifications and/or experience in relevant subject areas
- Financial modelling skills
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
