IP & Technology Manager 

 

 

Job description and selection criteria

About OSCAR

OSCAR, the University of Oxford’s first overseas research centre, is working closely with the Suzhou Industrial Park and both academic and industrial collaborators in China to progress a range of exciting societal and economic development opportunities.

As a centre for multidisciplinary research, innovation and technology, OSCAR focuses on research challenges and technologies that both complement its location in Suzhou Industrial Park and capitalise on current Oxford research strengths. Research will initially be focused around the areas of biomedical engineering, biomedicine, advanced functional materials, electronic/optoelectronic/photonic devices, environmental technology, energy, mathematical and computational applications in finance and in health, and other related science and engineering disciplines.

The Centre is located in Suzhou Dushu Lake Science and Education Innovation District (SEID), a district in southern SIP with a high concentration of science, education and innovation activity. SEID is the prototype of higher education internationalisation in China which hosts 32 local and foreign universities and institutions. The Centre, housed in a nine-storey building with a gross space of 20,000m², offers flexible access to facilities for multi-functional activities such as labs, seminars, workshops, training, public events, and administration, etc.

Overview of the role

Operating at the forefront of scientific innovation, OSCAR has already generated novel IP and has more in the pipeline. We are now seeking to recruit an IP and Technology Manager position to identify, protect and transfer IP generated at OSCAR to industry and end users. The IP & Technology Manager will work as part of the Research Cooperation department and will report to both the Senior Management Team (OSCAR, Suzhou) and Oxford University Innovations (OUI, Oxford).This is a full time role, based at OSCAR in Suzhou. Training will be provided by Oxford University Innovation in Oxford, UK. Additional travel may be required on a project-specific basis.

Closing date 31  August 2020

Responsibilities/duties

1.    Identification, protection and management of IP arising from novel research at OSCAR

50. Work closely with OSCAR researchers and colleagues in the Research Cooperation department to identify potential arising IP.
50. Support researchers to distil key research highlights and assess patentability.
50. Coordinate with researchers to ensure adequate breadth and strength of data to secure IP.
50. Communicate effectively with colleagues at OUI and the Research Services Office (RSO) to identify and register IP; perform due diligence assessment and file patent applications.
50. Claim government subsidies and awards for patent-related costs.

2.    Management of OSCAR’s patent and IP portfolio

50. Identify and pursue opportunities for technology transfer, commercialisation and/or licensing.
50. Develop and manage a network of external contacts (i.e. potential investors or licensees), particularly in China.
50. Help to raise the profile of OSCAR and OUI through networking and dissemination.
50. Maintain full, accurate and up-to-date records of OSCAR’s patent and IP portfolio.
50. Ensure records are organised effectively and are accessible by others if required.
50. Manage ongoing relationships with collaborators and commercial partners in a professional manner.
50. Perform all duties in line with OSCAR and OUI’s policies, on time and accurately.

3.    Identification and management of commercially viable projects

50. Develop robust business cases for potentially transferable and/or marketable projects or technologies, including projected profitability.
50. Develop project plans to deliver a high level of technology transfer whilst maintaining project profitability by optimising revenue and controlling all expenditure.
50. Identify pathways to transfer technologies to market, including identification of and marketing to potential manufacturers and end users.
50. Manage the formation and launch of spin-out companies, where appropriate.
50. Seek funding for IP licensing or launch of spin-out companies from government agencies and other organisations in China.
50. Work with colleagues to make commercial decisions about the most appropriate path to protect and promote novel projects, products and technologies arising from research at OSCAR.

4.    Jointly manage collaboration between OSCAR and partner organisations, with colleagues from the Research Cooperation department

50. Develop relationships with researchers and other relevant staff with collaborators in partner organisations.
50. Work with legal specialists to ensure that all aspects of contractual agreements protect and enhance OSCAR’s interests, whilst transferring as much technology as possible and providing fair arrangements with OSCAR’s partners.
50. Identify commercial concerns about contractual clauses with collaborators and partners.

Selection criteria

Essential

50. Masters or PhD degree in a natural science/technology/engineering or related discipline.
50. Ability to work independently and to deliver set targets.
50. Excellent written and oral communication skills in both Chinese and English.
50. Excellent interpersonal skills in a range of business settings.
50. Working effectively with key stakeholders, and where appropriate showing tenacity and persistence in business development situations.
50. Ability to grasp technical concepts quickly, and translate these into commercially viable proposals.
50. Ability to work under pressure in this challenging but rewarding role.
50. Willingness to travel.

Desirable

50. Experience in IP management and industry experience.
50. Other relevant industrial experience, for example as a researcher or other stakeholder involved in the design, protection and/or technology transfer of novel research.
50. Experience of organizing patent applications and licensing activities.
50. Familiarity with IP-related policies and regulations in China.

Guidance for applicants

Thank you for your interest in applying for posts at the Oxford-Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research (OSCAR).

Before applying: 

Please read the job description and selection criteria carefully to determine whether you have the required skills, knowledge, and experience for the advertised role. Please DO NOT apply for the posts which are currently unavailable. We typically receive many applications for each post, so your cover letter should be used to show how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in order to be shortlisted for interview.

How to apply:

Send your application to info@oxford-oscar.cn

1. Email subject should be the title of the post for which you are applying
2. Include your contact information, name, telephone number and your availability for interview in the email
3. Attach a cover letter and CV (both in English) as PDF documents.

Cover letter (no longer than one page):

Use the cover letter to explain your motivation for joining OSCAR, and state how your skills and experience match these requirements. Provide evidence that you have the skills, knowledge, experience, qualifications to meet the requirements of the post, with examples from previous work.

Curriculum Vitae (no longer than 8 pages):

Check that your CV is up-to-date, tailored to the job for which you are applying, and within the page limit. Highlight the skills and experience that are relevant to the post for which you are applying. Give details of your education, employment history, publication record, lists of prizes, and voluntary experience.

After applying:

The information you supply on your application will be provided to a selection panel, who will use it to assess your suitability for the post against the published selection criteria. You may be contacted via e-mail at any date regarding your application.

Your information is held securely in a database owned by OSCAR. The data will not be passed to external organisations or individuals other than those acting in a capacity as agents for OSCAR for software support purposes, or where an external body is party to the recruitment process.

When you submit an application to OSCAR you confirm that you agree to these Terms and Conditions of Use, including the following declarations:

• The information provided in the application materials is true and complete. I understand that any offer of employment may be conditional upon satisfactory screening. 
• I consent to be contacted by OSCAR at any date regarding my application. 
• I consent to the information given in this application being stored and processed in accordance with the data protection rules at OSCAR. 

Thank you for your interest in applying for a post at OSCAR.

Recruitment Office

Oxford Suzhou Centre for Advanced Research

Email: info@oxford-oscar.cn