Intellectual Property Officer (P7) (Division for Research Development & Support: Department of Intellectual Property)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".
Job description
“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.
Job Description:
Reporting to the Director: TTO, this role will be responsible for: Intellectual Property Management; Project managing a portfolio of technologies with commercialization potential.
Responsibilities:
- Promote IP awareness and encourage intellectual property creation within the institution through training and policy development.
- Support faculties and divisions in activities that promote the development of intellectual property.
- Evaluate new invention disclosures.
- Define intellectual property strategies for UJ technologies.
- Proactively identify opportunities for technology transfer in the faculties.
- Review and negotiate contractual intellectual property provisions.
- Facilitate the preparation and filing of patent applications.
- 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.
- Carry out market research with a view to commercialization of UJ technologies.
- Seek opportunities for exploitation of UJ technologies.
- Participate in commercial negotiations.
- Administer executed license agreements.
Minimum requirements
- A relevant Degree (NQF Level 7) in Law, Business, Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Relevant two (2) to three (3) years of job-related 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 regarding intellectual property.
- Knowledge of funding opportunities for intellectual property development and technology transfer.
Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:
- 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.
- Honours or 4-year Degree qualification (possession of a Master’s degree is desirable).
- Entrepreneurial experience.
- Experience working in a higher education institution.
- Knowledge of the Intellectual Property Rights of Publicly Funded Research and Development Act (51 of 2008) (IPRPFRD Act) and its Regulations.
- 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.
