IP and Commercialisation Manager

Hours: Full-time or part-time hours considered up to a maximum of 1 FTE.

Contract Type: Fixed-term until 12 March 2027 - Maternity Cover 

Closing date: 14 April 2026

Expected Interview date: To Be Confirmed. In Person Only.

Expected start date: As Soon as Possible.

About the role

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced IP & Commercialisation Manager to lead on the development and delivery of their own portfolio of enterprise projects.

You will support the services of the IP team within the broader Innovation and Business Partnerships team to provide an effective and efficient IP service to members of the academic and student community. Your responsibilities will include giving advice on any of the IP rights, assessing new IP disclosures, carrying out IP due diligence in research projects, developing exploitation plans, liaising with external patent firms, advising on IP and commercialisation agreements, the delivery of any IP training, and supporting the team’s efforts to successfully commercialise a diverse range of research and enterprise projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team seeking to build on recent success to increase both the level and scope of its activities.

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic, positive and engaged individual with experience of intellectual property commercialisation in the UK university sector or industry able to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Ideally, you will have a qualification in IP law / technology transfer or the relevant working experience.

You will have the skills to manage your own workload and at times, support other colleagues. You will communicate clearly with the team, line management, and other stakeholders. You will also be familiar in working with IP databases and ideally be proficient in patent searching and analysis, and have experience of licensing and deal making.

About our Division

The Research and Innovation Division is leading developer of ideas and innovations that contributes to the Global Community. We contribute to new knowledge, ideas, and solutions. This leads to real change in the world and makes a difference in our lives. 

Our Strategy focuses on People, Research Strengths, Interdisciplinarity, Integrity, Grant Capture, and International Reputation. Last year alone we submitted 681 bids, received 230 awards, completed the set-up of 227 projects just to give an idea of how dynamic our Division is.

Please find further information regarding the division at Research and Innovation: University of Sussex.

Why work here

Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further Key Information

Please contact Keith O’Brien - email K.E.O-Brien@sussex.ac.uk for informal enquiries.

For full details and how to apply see our vacancies page.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK. 

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