Intellectual Property Officer- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Intellectual Property Officer (Post Level 8)
- Job ID: 6593
- HRSmart Advert: 2279
- Department: Research Development
- Division: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Closing Date: 28 September 2026
- Assumption of Duties: 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible
- Salary: Available on request
Job Overview
The Intellectual Property Officer will be responsible for managing and developing the University of the Free State’s intellectual property portfolio. The role focuses on IP protection, technology transfer, innovation-funded projects, research commercialisation and building relationships with industry and other commercialisation partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and develop the UFS intellectual property portfolio.
- Evaluate technologies and develop suitable IP protection and commercialisation strategies.
- Manage intellectual property protection and prosecution processes.
- Manage technology-development and innovation-funded projects.
- Identify and engage industry partners, licensees, investors and other commercialisation partners.
- Drive commercialisation opportunities.
- Support the negotiation and conclusion of commercial transactions.
- Ensure compliance with the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development (IPR-PFRD) Act, UFS policies and funder requirements.
- Manage stakeholder relationships and IP awareness initiatives.
- Supervise, allocate and quality-assure the work of junior staff, interns and project resources.
Minimum Requirements
- Relevant Bachelor’s Honours degree or equivalent NQF Level 8 qualification in:
- Science
- Engineering
- Technology
- Law
- Or another related field relevant to intellectual property, innovation and technology transfer.
- At least 3 years’ relevant experience in one or more of the following:
- Intellectual property management
- Technology transfer
- Research commercialisation
- Innovation management
- Technology development
Recommended Requirements
- Knowledge of intellectual property management and commercialisation processes.
- Knowledge of the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act, 51 of 2008, and its Regulations.
- Knowledge of the South African technology-transfer and innovation environment.
- Willingness to undertake relevant further training in intellectual property management and technology transfer.
Key Competencies
Results Orientated
- Ability to set high standards and achieve challenging goals.
- Persistence and ability to overcome obstacles.
Strategic Thinking
- Ability to plan and follow work plans.
- Strong analytical and logical problem-solving abilities.
Business Acumen
- Ability to follow rules, regulations and work procedures.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
Leading
- Ability to take charge and provide direction.
- Ability to cooperate with others and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
- Ability to negotiate, influence, sell and persuade.
- Ability to interact effectively and establish professional relationships.
Benefits
Subject to specific conditions, UFS offers:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits