Intellectual Property Advisor

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 119,688 - 168,192; Full time

Job summary

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada seeks an Intellectual Property Advisor to manage NRC’s IP portfolio, developing and implementing protection strategies to support current and future organizational needs.

The role involves preparing and filing patent applications, guiding researchers on IP options and costs, negotiating licenses and collaboration agreements, and contributing to IP awareness initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• University degree in science or engineering is required; advanced degree is an asset.
• Registration as a Canadian Patent Agent is required; US registration eligibility is expected.
• Law degree with Bar/Notaries eligibility is an asset but not required.
• Trademark Agent registration is an asset but not required.
• Experience reviewing invention disclosures and patent applications is essential.
• Ability to advise on IP options and strategy and to draft/license agreements is essential.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, file and prosecute provisional and formal patent applications, including PCT.
• Provide guidance on IP protection options and cost management.
• Manage external contracts with patent agents and agencies.
• Review and support negotiation and drafting of licence agreements and collaboration/research services agreements.
• Contribute to IP awareness initiatives and related projects.

Skills

IP protection strategies

Communication

Client advisory

Negotiation

Education

University degree in Science or Engineering

Graduate/Advanced degree asset

Registration as Canadian Patent Agent

Registration/eligibility as US Patent Agent

Law degree asset

Registration as Canadian Trademark Agent asset

Job description

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

• The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self‑declare when applying to this hiring process.

Position Details

• City: Ottawa
• Organizational Unit: Client Agreements and Intellectual Property Branch
• Classification: RCO
• Tenure: Various
• Language Requirements: English
• Work arrangements: This position may be eligible for a limited hybrid arrangement (combination of on‑site and telework). An exception may be considered for Indigenous candidates, and alternative arrangements may also be accommodated as required.
• Note: This position is being re‑posted. There is no need to re‑apply if you previously applied.

Role Overview

We are looking for an Intellectual Property Advisor to support our Client Agreements and Intellectual Property (CAIP). The incumbent will manage NRC’s intellectual property, including developing and implementing diverse IP protection strategies to support current and future organizational needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, file and prosecute provisional and formal patent applications, including those under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
• Provide guidance to researchers and managers on IP protection options and cost management.
• Manage external contracts with patent agents and agencies.
• Review and support negotiation and drafting of licence agreements, collaborative research agreements and research services agreements.
• Contribute to IP awareness initiatives and related projects.

Screening Criteria

Education

• University degree in Science or Engineering.
• Graduate/Advanced degree is an asset but not required.
• Registration as a Canadian Patent Agent.
• Registration or eligibility to obtain registration as a Patent Agent in the United States.
• Law degree with membership eligibility in the Canadian Bar or Order of Notaries in Quebec is an asset but not required.
• Registration as a Canadian Trademark Agent is an asset but not required.

Experience

• Significant (≥2–6 years) and recent (within five years) experience in reviewing invention disclosures.
• Significant and recent experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications in advanced science or engineering disciplines.
• Significant and recent experience in communicating directly with inventors to define invention scope and range of application.
• Significant and recent experience in advising clients on intellectual property protection options and strategy.
• Significant practical experience in the hands‑on application of technical expertise in the applicant’s degree field is an asset.
• Significant practical experience in negotiating and drafting licensing agreements and IP‑related provisions in collaboration agreements and research services agreements is an asset.

Condition of Employment

• Must have Secret clearance and maintain it in good standing in Canada and the U.S.
• Must maintain a Patent Agent licence in good standing in Canada and in the U.S.

Language Requirements

• English is required; self‑assessment test available for other languages.

Assessment Criteria

Technical Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of IP protection procedures in Canada, the United States, Europe, and via the PCT.
• Solid knowledge of a broad range of engineering and scientific fields to comprehend scientific value and patentability.
• Solid knowledge of legislation, regulations, case law, rules, and policies relevant to patents in Canada and the United States as well as international agreements.
• Basic knowledge of markets for inventions and commercialization constraints.
• Ability to develop and implement IP protection strategies.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and prioritize workload to meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to assess, manage and mitigate risk in a business environment.

Behavioural Competencies

• Client focus (Level 2)
• Communication (Level 3)
• Initiative (Level 2)
• Self‑knowing and self‑development (Level 3)
• Results orientation (Level 2)
• Teamwork (Level 2)

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO) at the RCO‑3 or RCO‑4 level, with an intermediate‑to‑senior career salary range of $119,688 to $168,192. Mandated mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand mand