IP and Innovation Manager (Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences)

Job Purpose  

To provide specialist, professional advice, leadership and support to academic staff in relation to the protection and exploitation of intellectual property arising from their university activities in line with the University's Strategic Plan, World Changers Together, World Changing Glasgow 2025.

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 and Commercialisation as required. Preparing and delivering written and verbal reports for senior management and Colleges within agreed timescales.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

Knowledge / Qualifications

Essential  

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and management skills in a similar / number of different specialist roles. Or, Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9,10 or 11 [Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification], or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional experience in a management role[s].

Desirable 

B1 Relevant honours degree.

Skills  

Essential
C1 Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

C2 Strong inter-personal skills.
C3 Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

C4 Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
C5 Ability to influence and negotiate both within an organisation and with external parties.

C6 Ability to plan and manage own activities and to interact effectively with people at all levels
within the University, companies and the public sector.

C7 Entrepreneurial attitude with necessary persistence and drive to bring projects to a conclusion.
C8 Knowledge of intellectual property [specifically working knowledge of patent application process]; translational grant funding; company grant funding; open innovation; new business development related to innovation; preparing technical marketing materials.

C9 Demonstrate an understanding of academic environment including the complex mix of pressures, constraints, motivations and risk/reward positions of academic staff, College and the institution.
C10 Working knowledge of typical terms in licensing and research contract agreements between universities and industry or investors.

Experience  

Essential
E1 Relevant work experience in a University Technology Transfer office performing similar role OR equivalent private sector experience involving significant engagement with universities on relevant intellectual property and commercial matters.

E2 Demonstrable experience in the evaluation of research-based innovation evaluation; development and execution of commercial exploitation plans.
E3 Demonstrable experienced of preparing applications and securing grants/translational grant funding e.g. Scottish Enterprise; Wellcome Trust; MRC DPFS; Innovate UK etc.

E4 Demonstrable experienced of successful sales/marketing/business development leadership delivering new relationships, co-development and/or licensing or early-stage technologies.
E5 Experienced in building personal credibility and trust within a team in relation to a specific activity or project.

E6 Demonstrable experience in intellectual property management role involving patent filings and heir prosecution.
E7 Demonstrable experience engaging in and leading the negotiation of license terms between university and industry partners.

E8 Demonstrable experience of involvement in licensing and/or research contract negotiations between university and industry or investors.

Desirable  

F1 Experience of private sector business development in an Arts & Humanities and/or Social Sciences related sector, including prospecting, selling and closing contracts as well as development of marketing materials and sales support materials.

F2 Private sector business development/marketing role in an Arts & Humanities and/or Social Sciences based venture.

Terms and Conditions 

Salary will be Grade 8, £48,350 - £56,021 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours) and fixed-term to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns.

Please Note: The University would consider a secondment opportunity for this post. Applicants should seek clearance for release for secondment from their employers / line manager before making a formal application.

New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months. 

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.