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