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 spinout opportunities, ensuring JIC’s intellectual assets are effectively protected and utilised for public and commercial benefit.

Key Relationships

The post is managed by the Head of KEC. 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 spinout founders.

Additionally, the role will involve supporting relationships with subcontractors who provide legal contract and intellectual property support to KEC.
 

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

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.

40

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.

30

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 spinout opportunities.

15

Spinout and Investor Engagement Support
Support spinout activities through coordination, documentation, and liaison with external advisors and internal stakeholders, ensuring compliance with JIC policies.

10

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.

5

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role. 

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline (biology, chemistry, or related)

Essential

Qualification in intellectual property law or registered technology transfer professional (RTTP) status

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience of diary and email management for senior staff

Essential

Experience of using financial systems (eg 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

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

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

Essential

Dedication to continued personal development and acquisition of relevant skills

Desirable

Mentoring and supporting the development of junior staff

Desirable

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

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

Essential

John Innes Centre

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 making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

For more information about working at the John Innes Centre, please click here.

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 +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

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, 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

Directorate

Group Details

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, and public perceptions. Commercialisation (which in some contexts is referred to as Technology Transfer) 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. There will be commercial return involved in the process relating to the potential value of the assets. The process involves the identification of research which has potential commercial interest and the designing of strategies for how to exploit this research. This will include the protecting and managing of the rights to intellectual property. Strategies can include the creation of licensing agreements or joint ventures, partnerships, or spin-out companies. This new role has been established to support KEC management, gather intelligence on and report on the impact of JIC research and affiliated organisations

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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:     1005019

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an IP Licensing Manager to join the Directorate Department, to support the cutting-edge science of the John Innes Centre.

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, and 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 Knowledge Exchange & Commercialisation (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 spinout 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, research contracts or technology transfer activities in a research, university or commercial R&D environment. They will have a strong understanding of IP protection, patenting and licensing processes, and experience working with patent attorneys and external partners.

Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple cases, handle confidential information, and work with a high degree of professional autonomy. A qualification in intellectual property law or Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) status would be advantageous, as would experience supporting commercialisation or spinout activities.

Additional information:

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity.  As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.