Intellectual Property Manager
The University of Surrey is a global university with a world-class research profile and an enterprising spirit. Surrey has a track record of successful commercialisation of science and technology research and working with industry, with a growing portfolio of innovation activity. Surrey is proud to be The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide University of the Year 2016.
The Technology Transfer Office is responsible for: protecting and exploiting intellectual property created and owned by the University; generating income for the University in the form of royalties, licences and equity stakes in spin-out companies; overseeing the Impact Acceleration Accounts; and managing and growing the pipeline of commercialisation opportunities across the University to create greater societal impact.
A vacancy has arisen for the post of IP Manager, working within the Technology Transfer team. The post holder will be the primary point of contact within the University to identify, protect and exploit intellectual property, ultimately producing income for the University in the form of royalties and licence payments.
The post holder will be responsible for: providing timely advice and support to resolve IP-related issues; drafting, reviewing, negotiating and executing agreements including Assignment, Revenue Share and Copyright agreements; actively promoting the role of IP commercialisation across the University, representing the Technology Transfer Office externally; reviewing the University’s IP policies and processes and implementing the changes; the University’s patent management system and patent budget; helping to identify and develop the University Commercialisation Strategy and implementation of arising actions.
We are seeking to appoint a committed, motivated and organised individual who will demonstrate an ability to work: independently, pro-actively and collaboratively with Technology Transfer colleagues; with a broad range of colleagues across Innovation Strategy (including Incubation & Enterprise and Industry Partnerships teams), with Research & Innovation Services (including Legal, Contracts), the Surrey Research Park (with c.140 companies co-located), the Surrey Business School, and the Doctoral College; and with an expanding portfolio of senior, external stakeholders. The post holder must develop good understanding of key internal (e.g. their research expertise, timescales and priorities) and external stakeholders. They will sign-post opportunities to colleagues, working collaboratively across the organisation and in line with Surrey’s Research and Innovation Strategy.
The University has strong sources of venture funds and an active business angel community. The Technology Transfer Office has access to financial resources and support through the University of Surrey Seed Fund (USSF), the EPSRC-funded Impact Acceleration Account, a network of external funding agencies, entrepreneurs, VCs, and the SETsquared partnership –a collaboration between the Universities of Surrey, Southampton, Exeter, Bristol and Bath, which was twice ranked as the Global No. 1 Business Incubator.
This is full time post, reporting to the Head of Technology Transfer and is based at the University of Surrey, Guildford.
We welcome applicants seeking a job share / part-time / flexible working.
In return we offer a generous annual leave allowance, defined pension scheme, exclusive discounted membership for the Surrey Sports Park, and on-site childcare facilities. Please note: appointment will be made within the indicated salary range dependent upon appropriate skills and experience.