Intellectual Property Officer (P7) (Division for Research Development & Support: Department of Intellectual Property) at University of Johannesburg

Job Description :


Reporting to the Director: TTO, this role will be responsible for: Intellectual Property Management; Project managing a portfolio of technologies with commercialization potential.


Responsibilities:


Promote IP awareness and encourage intellectual property creation within the institution through training and policy development.
Support faculties and divisions in activities that promote the development of intellectual property.
Evaluate new invention disclosures.
Define intellectual property strategies for UJ technologies.
Proactively identify opportunities for technology transfer in the faculties.
Review and negotiate contractual intellectual property provisions.
Facilitate the preparation and filing of patent applications.
Manage the patent prosecution process and maintenance of the intellectual property portfolio.
Management and reporting of patent and related records, making optimal use of available information management systems.
Carry out market research with a view to commercialization of UJ technologies.
Seek opportunities for exploitation of UJ technologies.
Participate in commercial negotiations.
Administer executed license agreements.


Minimum requirements


A relevant Degree (NQF Level 7) in Law, Business, Science, Engineering, or a related field.
Relevant two (2) to three (3) years of job-related experience.
Understanding of the South African innovation ecosystem.
Comprehensive knowledge of general developments and trends in intellectual property.
Understanding of legal matters and associated administrative procedures regarding intellectual property.
Knowledge of funding opportunities for intellectual property development and technology transfer.


Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:


Good presentation and facilitation skills.
Ability to build internal and external networks on all levels.
Understanding of macro structures within an academic institution.
Understanding of research management principles and procedures.
Ability to communicate issues relating to technology transfer at all levels.
Ability to work in cross-functional teams.
Critical thinking skills.
Sound judgement and sound decision-making skills.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Service-oriented.


Recommendations:


Honours or 4-year Degree qualification (possession of a Master's degree is desirable).
Entrepreneurial experience.
Experience working in a higher education institution.
Knowledge of the Intellectual Property Rights of Publicly Funded Research and Development Act (51 of 2008) (IPRPFRD Act) and its Regulations.
Trans-disciplinary qualifications and/or experience in relevant subject areas.
Financial modelling skills.


Apply by: 20 February 2026