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- Tasks: Manage and protect intellectual property from cutting-edge research at JIC.
- Company: Join the John Innes Centre, a leader in plant and microbial sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and access to state-of-the-art technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by translating research into commercial opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree in a scientific discipline; experience in IP management preferred.
- Other info: Diverse and supportive environment with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 39400 - 47400 £ per year.
Hours per week: 37. Project Title: Intellectual Property Licensing & Management. Expected/Ideal Start Date: 05 Jan 2026. Months Duration: 24. Interview Date: 12 Jan 2026.
Main Purpose of the Job
To manage the identification, protection, and administration of intellectual property (IP) arising from JIC research. The role will focus on managing IP portfolios, supporting the licensing of IP to external partners, and contributing to the development of spin‑out opportunities, ensuring JIC’s intellectual assets are effectively protected and utilised for public and commercial benefit.
Key Relationships
- Internal: Researchers, Business Development Team, Finance, Legal, and other JIC departments.
- External: Industry partners, investors, technology transfer offices, patent attorneys, funders (e.g., UKRI, Innovate UK, charities), and potential licensees or spin‑out founders.
Additionally, the role will involve supporting relationships with subcontractors who provide legal contract and intellectual property support to KEC.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
- 40% IP Identification and Management: Work with researchers to identify, record, and evaluate IP generated by JIC. Manage patent filings, renewals, and formalities in liaison with external patent attorneys. Maintain accurate IP records and ensure compliance with internal policies.
- 30% Licensing Support and Commercial Agreements: Facilitate the negotiation and drafting of IP and licensing agreements with external partners. Collaborate with legal advisors, researchers, and the Head of Business Development to ensure agreements are strategically aligned to deliver maximum benefit to JIC.
- 15% Commercialisation Support: Provide operational support for the commercialisation of JIC technologies. Conduct due diligence, gather background IP data, and coordinate the preparation of materials for licensing or spin‑out opportunities.
- 10% Spinout and Investor Engagement Support: Support spin‑out activities through coordination, documentation, and liaison with external advisors and internal stakeholders, ensuring compliance with JIC policies.
- 5% Reporting and Policy Implementation: Contribute to the maintenance of IP records and reporting. Facilitate the implementation of IP management procedures and provide internal guidance and training to staff.
Any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role, as agreed with the line manager.
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
- Essential: Degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline (biology, chemistry, or related).
- Desirable: Qualification in intellectual property law or Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) status.
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
- Essential: Excellent organisational and analytical skills.
- Essential: Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
- Essential: Understanding of IP protection, patenting, and licensing in a research context.
- Essential: Experience in preparing and reviewing IP documentation and contracts.
- Essential: Experience of diary and email management for senior staff.
- Essential: Experience of using financial systems (e.g., processing and raising of invoices).
- Essential: Experience managing IP or research contracts within a research, university, or commercial R&D setting.
- Essential: Experience liaising with patent attorneys and external partners.
- Essential: Experience supporting IP or technology transfer activities.
- Desirable: Additional experience in commercialisation or spin‑out activities.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Essential: Effective communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with researchers and external partners.
- Essential: Experience of organising high impact meetings (internal and external to organisation).
- Essential: Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team.
- Essential: Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem‑solving skills.
- Essential: Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Essential: Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures.
- Essential: Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity.
- Desirable: Dedication to continued personal development and acquisition of relevant skills.
- Desirable: Mentoring and supporting the development of junior staff.
Additional Requirements
- Essential: Promotes equality and values diversity.
- Essential: Willingness to work flexibly and travel within the UK and overseas.
- Essential: Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work.
- Essential: Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute.
- Essential: Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate.
- Essential: Attention to detail.
Who We Are
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research to train scientists and make our findings available to society. Our research spans a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences, including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world.
Department
The Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation (KEC) Department has two main functions: Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation. Knowledge Exchange includes the processes, mechanisms, networks, and relationships that enable knowledge derived from research activity to move between organisations. Commercialisation describes the process by which the outcomes of research activity are brought to the marketplace through the development of new products, processes, services or technologies. This role supports KEC management, gathering intelligence on and reporting on the impact of JIC research and affiliated organisations.
Salary: £45,450 – £56,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Contract: Full‑time, 2 years. Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK. Closing date: 21 January 2026. Reference: 1005019.
About the John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity‑led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, “Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet”, sets out our ambitious long‑term goals for the game‑changing impact of our science globally. Our employees enjoy access to state‑of‑the‑art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management.
About the KEC Group
The Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation (KEC) Department has two main functions: Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation. Knowledge Exchange includes the processes, mechanisms, networks, and relationships that enable knowledge derived from research activity to move between organisations. The term is applied to the sharing of knowledge that has potential impact on innovation, and to change, transform, enhance, or generate new or improved professional practices, policies, technologies, products, services, or public perceptions.
IP Licensing Manager in Norwich employer: The John Innes Centre
Contact Detail:
The John Innes Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IP Licensing Manager in Norwich
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups related to IP and licensing. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by researching the company and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, especially in managing IP portfolios and commercialisation support. Confidence is key!
✨Showcase Your Skills
During interviews, highlight your experience with patent filings and licensing agreements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your organisational and analytical skills. This will show them you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at the John Innes Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace IP Licensing Manager in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in IP management and licensing. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with researchers and external partners, it’s crucial to demonstrate your effective communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to present complex information simply.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: We’re looking for someone who can manage multiple cases simultaneously. In your application, mention any experiences where you successfully juggled various tasks or projects, showing us that you can keep everything on track.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the exciting work we do at the John Innes Centre.
How to prepare for a job interview at The John Innes Centre
✨Know Your IP Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of intellectual property concepts, especially in the context of research. Brush up on patenting processes and licensing agreements, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your excellent organisational and analytical skills. Think about times when you've managed multiple projects or cases simultaneously, and be ready to discuss how you kept everything on track.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating complex information clearly and concisely. You’ll need to liaise with researchers and external partners, so being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.
✨Engage with Spin-Out Opportunities
Familiarise yourself with the concept of spin-outs and how they relate to commercialisation. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have in this area, as well as your thoughts on how to support such initiatives at JIC.
