Job Title:         Head (Intellectual Property Management)
Department:    Technology Transfer Center
Job ID:             5278

Job Posting Details

Founded in 1991, HKUST is an international research university dedicated to the advancement of science, engineering, business & management, humanities & social science as well as interdisciplinary studies; education of the next generation of leaders, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels; and bringing about societal impact. HKUST has established a substantial presence in the global higher education scene and received considerable international recognition. Among others, HKUST has been ranked #1 in the World’s Top 300 Young Universities 2019 by Times Higher Education, the 16th worldwide in the Global University Employability Ranking 2018, and the 32nd in the QS World University Rankings in 2020. Its EMBA Program has topped the highly regarded Financial Times Global EMBA Rankings for 9 times in 2007, 2009-2013 and 2016-2018, and it is also ranked #1 in the QS Global Joint EMBA Rankings in 2019.

The Technology Transfer Center (TTC) serves as a bridge between HKUST research community and industry, creates collaboration and innovation from the University research outcomes and capabilities. TTC manages inventions and intellectual properties (IP) of HKUST, formulates strategic commercialization plan, identifies potential collaborators with faculty members, and establishes commercialization projects with industry partners. TTC also incubates and supports HKUST’s technology-based startups and encourages entrepreneurship development. To deliver the impact from the University’s research outcome, IP management is a critical factor to provide value proposition and engage the industry partners. Aligned with HKUST’s mission, TTC is inviting competent and passionate professional to lead the University’s IP management activities.

Reporting to the Director of Technology Transfer Center, the appointee will work closely with the Office of Knowledge Transfer (OKT), HKUST R & D Corporation Limited (RDC), Entrepreneurship Center (EC), research institutes, labs and centers, the key responsibilities include:

Strategic Intellectual Property (IP) management

• ŸEstablish the strategy of managing University’s IP including patent/patent application, know-how, data/database, design, copyright, tangible properties and trademarks to maximize the impact from the University’s research activities.
• ŸProvide IP landscape and competitive analysis for the key development projects and support the Cluster Heads of TTC to set up the commercialization strategy.
• Identify disruptive potential from inventions; review/revise/manage IP policy of the University to align with strategy.

Relationship management with stakeholders

• ŸProvide consultation and training for researchers, labs and departments to have a better IP development plan for their research and development activities.
• ŸAdvise on IP framework for collaboration projects with external parties.
• ŸRegular report on IP matters.

Supervision and operation of IP prosecution and protection

• ŸManage the invention review process and ensure the process turnaround time and quality of the review.
• ŸSupervise external patent firms to provide timely and proper response on filing and replying to office actions with quality.
• ŸManage the billings and patent budget, and optimize the patent portfolio with financial efficiency
• ŸManage and enhance the IP management processes

 The ideal candidate should possess the following attributes:

• Solid experience, preferably in strategic IP management, technology roadmap/IP plan and the development of operational framework; previous work experience in an education or applied research institution, legal and/or contract administration experience will be an advantage;
  
  
• Ability to analyse competitive technology landscape and identify business opportunities and strike the right balance between cost and protection; have a strong understanding of commercial issues and risk management;
  
  
• Track records of supporting innovation activities by defining strategic direction and the protection of rights based on a broad, high-quality patent portfolio;
  
  
• Excellent knowledge of IP Management, Hong Kong and Chinese IP Laws, market research, technology commercialization, and the industrial and commercial environment in Hong Kong and the Mainland; domain knowledge of the strategic R&D areas of HKUST will be a plus;
  
  
• A higher degree in engineering, science, IP law, or related disciplines, with substantive working experience preferably in the role of an in-house IP manager/patent attorney/patent engineer in technology companies or research institutions; and
  
  
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and command of written and spoken English; fluency in Chinese, including Cantonese and Putonghua will be an advantage.

(Duration: 2 years, renewable)

Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Fringe benefits include annual leave, medical and dental benefits. Housing benefits will also be provided where applicable. A gratuity will be payable upon successful completion of contract.

Application Procedure
In support of a green work environment, we accept applications submitted online only. To apply, please complete an online application form through the HKUST Careers website (https://hkustcareers.ust.hk) and return it online to the Human Resources Office on or before Saturday, 9 May 2020. Applicants will receive an acknowledgement by email upon successful submission. We thank applicants for their interest, but advise that only shortlisted candidates will be notified of the result of the application.