Purpose

• The primary purpose of this role is to assist in the identification, protection, and commercialisation of Rhodes University’s intellectual property by supporting the development of strong relationships with the academic community, industry partners, and investors.
• The incumbent assists in promoting awareness of Intellectual Property (IP) and commercialisation opportunities, supports the evaluation and protection of innovations, and contributes to translating technical concepts into commercially viable propositions.
• The role also assists with the marketing of technologies and supports initiatives aimed at fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial culture within the University.
• Working closely with the Technology Transfer Manager and the broader Technology Transfer team, the incumbent contributes to the effective management of Rhodes University’s IP portfolio, supports the facilitation of technology transactions, and assists in achieving the University’s long-term strategic research and commercialisation objectives locally and internationally.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree (NQF 7) in Law/Business/Economics/Commerce or other relevant SHAPE/HASS (Social Sciences, Humanities) degree.
• A post-graduate qualification would be an advantage.
• Candidates should have at least 1 year of relevant work experience, where such experience includes relevant industry experience and a good understanding of the Intellectual Property Rights of Publicly Funded Research and Development Act (51 of 2008) and its Regulations.

Skills & Competencies

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of IP rights and protection mechanism.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Commercial acumen and strategic thinking
• Basic knowledge of technology transfer
• Project management skills
• Innovation orientation

PEOPLE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Interpersonal skills
• Negotiation and Influencing Skills
• Presentation and public speaking
• Written communication skills
• Collaboration and teamwork

ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS

• Attention to detail
• Record-keeping and documentation
• Compliance and regulatory administration
• Organisational skills
• Event Coordination

WORK BEHAVIOURS

• Strong demonstration of accountability and reliability
• Evidence of efficiency and possessing a self-driven approach
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Openness to learning and change
• Initiative and a proactive orientation
• Trustworthy, able to work with discretion and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work independently and within a team is essential

Responsibilities

Networking and Marketing

• Assisting with organizing and hosting of IP Awareness sessions, workshops, and Industry events.
• Assisting with the facilitation of invention disclosures across all university faculties.
• Provide support with generating industry engagements, partnerships, and investor leads and assist with generating new stakeholder partnership leads.
• Assisting with the facilitation of MOUs/Collaboration/Technology Development Agreements.

Evaluation and Protection of IP

• Providing support for the Invention Disclosures and assisting with the due diligence of IP protection requests.
• Assisting with developing IP Protection and Commercialisation Strategies.
• Support processes relating to disclosure evaluations to ensure that they are commercially viable.

Establishing Building Blocks for Commercialisation

• Support processes regarding License agreements.
• Support new venture commercialisation endeavours.

IP Portfolio and Project Management

• Continuous monitoring of RU IP Portfolio
• Accurate and timeous portfolio and project reporting to management.
• Ensuring compliance to and attending to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Act requirements and regulations.
• Supporting all IPR Act Regulatory reporting
• Supporting Technology Investment Fund management
• Assist with reviewing TIA (Technology Innovation Agency) Quarterly Report Submissions and preparing Seed Fund Committee Submission Packs.

Other Work and Ad hoc matters

• Contribution to overall objectives and ad hoc tasks of the TTO.

Additional Information

• It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.
• Please note, no hand-written applications will be considered.
• Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.
• All applications will be treated in strict confidence.
• This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years.
• The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post.
• An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview.
• Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.
• If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following:
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation which tells us your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting date to be confirmed.
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration

• Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R324 203
• Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R445 208

Enquiries

• Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application please contact [email protected].

Centre

• Research Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Department

Duration

• 3 year contract

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