We are seeking a KEC Contracts Manager with commercial legal experience to oversee the full range of legal agreements underlying KEC activities at JIC. You will be joining an experienced Technology Transfer Team at the John Innes Centre, a world-leading academic research organisation at the forefront of innovation in plant and microbial science with a focus on AgriFood and Health.
About the Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation (KEC) 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.
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.
The role
This post will work alongside the Technology Transfer Team at the John Innes Centre and our current Contracts Managers (based within Norwich Bioscience Institutes) leading on drafting and negotiating sponsored research agreements, collaboration agreements, commercial contracts, confidentiality agreements, consultancy agreements, commercialisation agreements, commercial licence agreements, equity and revenue share agreements, material transfer agreements, and shareholder agreements.
The appointee will act as KEC’s commercial legal expert and will play an essential role in streamlining and accelerating contracts development and negotiation.
You will need to understand the purpose of legal agreements in the context of Research Organisations and the balance between economic gain and impact.
The ideal candidate
We are looking for an experienced individual, with expertise in drafting and negotiating sponsored research agreements, collaboration agreements, commercial contracts, confidentiality agreements, consultancy agreements, commercialisation agreements, commercial licence agreements, equity and revenue share agreements, material transfer agreements, and shareholder agreements who can hit the ground running.
You will have a commercial legal background with experience in intellectual property.
You will need to rapidly integrate into the existing TTO team and you will be required to manage relationships with Researchers and External Organisations.
This is a demanding role and requires professionalism and commitment to our aims and purpose. In return, you will receive support in your professional development to expand your skills and knowledge and professional networks. You will have the opportunity to engage in all aspects of our TTO operations and to become a member of the community of TTO professionals based on the Norwich Research Campus and within the eight BBSRC Research Institutes.
Additional information
Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.
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 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.
* £44,500 - £55,000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr