Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Officer

This role is based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham

UKRI Pay Band C – salary range is £28,498 to £29,922 (depending on qualifications and experience)

Please note that internal UKRI applicants will currently be subject to the UKRI Pay & Reward Policy & Guidance to determine their starting salary

A great benefits package is offered including an outstanding pension scheme (with a very generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time

Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available, including a small amount of remote working, in line with BGS policy)

Fixed-term (12 months)

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Officer to join the BGS IPR & Legal Services Team in Keyworth, Nottingham.

This is a great opportunity to develop your legal skills within the area of Intellectual Property Rights in an established legal department. The key duties / responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out IPR reviews of BGS outputs to establish if the correct IPR permissions / approvals are in place for publication.
• Communicating clearly to colleagues any actions required to ensure their outputs satisfy Intellectual Property Rights law, with a particular focus on Copyright.
• Reviewing and interpreting contractual / written agreements, to establish IPR ownership and publication rights related to works generated under project agreements and contracts.
• Reviewing publication licences ensuring they adhere to the relevant BGS / UKRI policies.
• Being the point of contact for IPR related queries, both internal and external in nature.

This role will successfully build on any prior knowledge particularly focused on Copyright within academic and commercial operations and contractual interpretation of IPR clauses.

About you

Candidates should ideally be educated to degree level, or A-Level standard with a good level of equivalent relevant work and/or subject experience. We are looking for someone who has a keen interest in developing legal knowledge and develop themselves within the team.

The post is likely to include some occasional travel within the UK, so the ability and a willingness to travel would be desirable.

BGS has a hybrid working policy and, once the postholder has established themselves in the role, a small amount of remote working would be available, and the relevant equipment provided.

Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.

Please also refer to the additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 11th February 2024 .  Interviews are expected to be held in mid to late February 2024 in Nottingham.