Intellectual Property and Innovation Manager - Physical Sciences

The University of Glasgow is looking for an Intellectual Property and Data Manager - Physical Sciences to join their team full-time. The role will involve identifying, evaluating and supporting commercialisation, via licensing and new venture creation, in the physical sciences. Preferably we are seeking candidates with experience in the areas of quantum technology, photonics and semiconductors. The successful candidate will be part of a growing team of professionals dedicated to working with academic and research staff to generate economic and social impact from the innovations they create from their research activity.

Job Purpose

To provide specialist, professional advice, leadership and support to academic staff, working in the field of life sciences, in relation to the protection and exploitation of intellectual property arising from their university activities in line with the University’s Innovation Strategy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a large and complex portfolio of innovation projects from initial idea disclosure evaluation through to conclusion of a commercialisation outcome e.g. license, spin-out.
• Determine the scope and lead the delivery of the required IP and commercial due diligence in relation to invention disclosures from academic staff.
• Based upon due diligence, prepare written, evidence-based recommendations on the commercial (or impact) opportunity.
• Manage the cost-effective use of university patent agents and lawyers in delivery of diligence and project outcomes.
• Source external advice, subject to budget availability, through engagement of consultants, specialists and commercial champions to complete diligence and/or project outcomes.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with academic staff through the provision of specialist commercialisation expertise and support to deliver diligence and/or project outcomes.
• Develop/agree with academic staff exploitation plans for innovations which have been successful through internal due diligence; Lead, support and manage the delivery of the commercial plans within agreed timescales.
• Develop, design and deliver necessary marketing materials and identify and build relationships with relevant public and/or private sector organisations necessary to deliver due diligence and/or commercial outcomes.
• As appropriate, for commercialisation plans, identify and support the preparation of applications for translational grant funding e.g. Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spin-Out Fund; MRC DPFS; Wellcome Trust; KE Fund; IAA Funds.
• Lead, with support from University external lawyers and internal contracts team (as appropriate), the negotiation of commercial terms and other agreements in relation to commercialisation projects either licensing, collaboration or company formation agreements.
• Organise (as required), prepare and deliver internal and external presentations related to intellectual property and commercialisation topics and the university process/activity in the area.
• Build and maintain good working relationships with College and University services staff in the shared delivery of the university’s strategy.
• Build, develop and maintain relationships with key companies, investors and public sector agencies to engage them in the delivery of the university commercialisation activities.
• Deputising for the Head of IP & Commercialisation as required.
• Preparing and delivering written and verbal reports for senior management and Colleges within agreed timescales.