IP Manager (Intellectual Property), Technology Transfer & Innovation Office
Research Translation Hub - Technology Transfer & Innovation Office (TTIO)
Position Summary
The IP Manager is responsible for managing and developing KAUST's intellectual property portfolio, providing specialist IP advice to researchers and internal stakeholders, and supporting commercial and strategic IP initiatives. The role requires proactive engagement with KAUST researchers, identification and protection of new IP, management of external relationships, and ensuring that KAUST's IP assets are effectively developed, protected, and aligned with institutional priorities.
Major Responsibilities
Collaborating with KAUST's Researchers
- Engage with and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with KAUST researchers.
- Proactively provide IP guidance and insights aligned with research activities and strategic priorities.
- Conduct IP searches and utilize IP databases to provide landscape analyses and advice on patentability, freedom to operate, infringement, and validity.
- Support researcher engagement through the delivery of IP education and training initiatives.
Identifying New KAUST IP
- Identify and assess new KAUST IP, including inventions, trade secrets, copyright, software, and designs.
- Work closely with researchers to capture new IP opportunities.
- Apply expertise in global IP systems and market intelligence to support robust IP identification and positioning.
- Maintain proficiency and consistency in the use of IP databases and IP capture platforms to ensure accurate and complete records.
Developing KAUST's IP Assets
- Develop and actively manage KAUST's IP portfolio as a strategic institutional asset.
- Collaborate with researchers and internal stakeholders to contribute to group- and technology-level IP strategies.
- Provide specialist IP advice and support across a broad range of technical and commercial matters.
- Lead and coordinate the filing, prosecution, and maintenance of registered IP rights.
- Prepare and deliver timely, well-supported recommendations to decision-makers.
- Advocate with researchers and stakeholders to promote KAUST's interests in line with governance requirements.
- Manage the IP portfolio effectively, including workload prioritization, reporting, cost and risk management, and making informed recommendations regarding abandonment or lapse of IP rights.
Engaging with KAUST's Partners
- Engage with and maintain strong professional relationships with KAUST's external
- stakeholders, including partners, service providers, and attorneys.
- Coordinate with external attorneys to ensure filing, prosecution, and maintenance activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
Being Part of the TTIO
- Demonstrate commitment to the values of TTIO and KAUST.
- Carry out additional duties and related tasks as directed by TTIO leadership.
Personal Requirements
Competencies
- Efficient, effective, and transparent in approach to work.
- Proactive and responsive in interactions with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Strong team player with collaborative working style.
- Ability to apply sound, commercially focused judgement.
- Ability to make and support decisions with data.
- Commitment to continual improvement.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, respectfully, and professionally.
- Demonstrates an efficient, effective, and transparent approach to work.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in law, Science, Engineering, or related field.
- An advanced degree in a scientific or technical discipline is advantageous.
- Formal qualifications such as IP Professional certification or equivalent is highly desirable.
Experience
- A minimum of six years of relevant post-qualification experience in intellectual property.
- Excellent understanding of IP laws and practice in Saudi Arabia and the United States, with practical application experience.
- Experience advising on a broad range of IP issues and disputes, including inventions, trade secrets, copyright, software, and designs.
- Demonstrated experience in managing an IP portfolio.
- Experience advising on IP aspects of commercial transactions and licensing arrangements.
