The John Innes Centre

Hours per week 37. Project Title: Intellectual Property Licensing & Management. Expected/Ideal Start Date 05 Jan 2026. Months Duration 24. Interview Date 12 Jan 2026. Job Description Main Purpose of the Job To manage the identification, protection, and administration of intellectual property (IP) arising from JIC research. The role will focus on managing IP portfolios, supporting the licensing of IP to external partners, and contributing to the development of spin out opportunities, ensuring JIC's intellectual assets are effectively protected and utilised for public and commercial benefit. Key Relationships Internal: Researchers, Business Development Team, Finance, Legal, and other JIC departments. External: Industry partners, investors, technology transfer offices, patent attorneys, funders (e.g., UKRI, Innovate UK, charities), and potential licensees or spin out founders. Additionally, the role will involve supporting relationships with subcontractors who provide legal contract and intellectual property support to KEC. Main Activities & Responsibilities 40% IP Identification and Management - Work with researchers to identify, record, and evaluate IP generated by JIC. Manage patent filings, renewals, and formalities in liaison with external patent attorneys. Maintain accurate IP records and ensure compliance with internal policies. 30% Licensing Support and Commercial Agreements - Facilitate the negotiation and drafting of IP and licensing agreements with external partners. Collaborate with legal advisors, researchers, and the Head of Business Development to ensure agreements are strategically aligned to deliver maximum benefit to JIC. 15% Commercialisation Support - Provide operational support for the commercialisation of JIC technologies. Conduct due diligence, gather background IP data, and coordinate the preparation of materials for licensing or spin out opportunities. 10% Spinout and Investor Engagement Support - Support spin out activities through coordination, documentation, and liaison with external advisors and internal stakeholders, ensuring compliance with JIC policies. 5% Reporting and Policy Implementation - Contribute to the maintenance of IP records and reporting. Facilitate the implementation of IP management procedures and provide internal guidance and training to staff. Any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role, as agreed with the line manager. Person Profile Education & Qualifications Essential Degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline (biology, chemistry, or related). Desirable Qualification in intellectual property law or Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) status. Specialist Knowledge & Skills Essential Excellent organisational and analytical skills. Essential Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously. Essential Understanding of IP protection, patenting, and licensing in a research context. Essential Experience in preparing and reviewing IP documentation and contracts. Essential Experience of diary and email management for senior staff. Essential Experience of using financial systems (e.g., processing and raising of invoices). Essential Experience managing IP or research contracts within a research, university, or commercial R&D setting. Essential Experience liaising with patent attorneys and external partners. Essential Experience supporting IP or technology transfer activities. Desirable Additional experience in commercialisation or spin out activities. Interpersonal & Communication Skills Essential Effective communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with researchers and external partners. Essential Experience of organising high impact meetings (internal and external to organisation). Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team. Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills. Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills. Essential Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures. Essential Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity. Desirable Dedication to continued personal development and acquisition of relevant skills. Desirable Mentoring and supporting the development of junior staff. Additional Requirements Essential Promotes equality and values diversity. Essential Willingness to work flexibly and travel within the UK and overseas. Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work. Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute. Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate. Essential Attention to detail. Who We Are The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research to train scientists and make our findings available to society. Our research spans a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences, including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on (0) or . We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award, recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion's programme, a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709). Department The Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation (KEC) Department has two main functions: Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation. Knowledge Exchange includes the processes, mechanisms, networks, and relationships that enable knowledge derived from research activity to move between organisations. Commercialisation describes the process by which the outcomes of research activity are brought to the marketplace through the development of new products, processes, services or technologies. This role supports KEC management, gathering intelligence on and reporting on the impact of JIC research and affiliated organisations. IP Licensing Manager Salary: £45,450 - £56,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Contract: Full time, 2 years. Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK. Closing date: 21 January 2026. Reference: . About the John Innes Centre The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, "Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet", sets out our ambitious long term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally. Our employees enjoy access to state of the art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre. About the KEC Group The Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation (KEC) Department has two main functions: Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation. Knowledge Exchange includes the processes, mechanisms, networks, and relationships that enable knowledge derived from research activity to move between organisations. The term is applied to the sharing of knowledge that has potential impact on innovation, and to change, transform, enhance, or generate new or improved professional practices, policies, technologies, products, services, or public perceptions. The role The Intellectual Property & Licensing Manager will play a key role in managing the identification, protection and commercial use of intellectual property arising from research at the John Innes Centre. Working closely with researchers, the KEC team, and external advisers, the postholder will manage IP portfolios, coordinate patent filings, and support the negotiation and administration of licensing and commercial agreements. The role will also contribute to the development of spin out and wider commercialisation opportunities, ensuring that JIC's intellectual assets are effectively protected and translated for public and commercial benefit. The ideal candidate The ideal candidate will have a degree (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline, with experience managing intellectual property . click apply for full job details