Senior Intellectual Property Manager

National Physical Laboratory (NPL); Teddington; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is seeking an experienced IP specialist to lead IP management and strategic planning across the organisation. You will protect freedom to operate while maximising the value of IP arising from cutting‑edge research.

You will collaborate with science teams, technology transfer and legal colleagues, as well as external patent attorneys and partners, to identify, protect and exploit innovative IP assets.

Qualifications

• Experience in technology transfer within a research organisation or academic setting.
• Track record of managing a science-based IP portfolio and related activities.
• Ability to engage with scientists, leaders, investors, collaborators and licensees.

Responsibilities

• Review invention disclosures and advise on protection strategies.
• Conduct IP due diligence and enable commercialisation of assets.
• Align IP strategies with business objectives for innovations.
• Structure and negotiate IP terms in third-party agreements.
• Identify IP risks and mitigation strategies.
• Manage a diverse IP portfolio and related budgets.
• Deliver IP training and act as first point of contact for queries.

Skills

Tech transfer

IP portfolio management

Stakeholder communication

Negotiation skills

Commercial awareness

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Science/Engineering

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

This role offers a unique opportunity to maximise the impact of NPL’s diverse and fascinating intellectual property portfolio. NPL plays a distinctive role in advancing science and engineering for the benefit of the UK, and our IP is central to delivering that impact.

About the Role

This role offers a unique opportunity to maximise the impact of NPL’s diverse and fascinating intellectual property portfolio. NPL plays a distinctive role in advancing science and engineering for the benefit of the UK, and our IP is central to delivering that impact.

Intellectual Property plays a vital role in underpinning NPL’s work and enabling the adoption of our technologies across industry and society. We have a strong track record of commercialisation, with our IP supporting the growth of UK businesses and helping bring innovative NPL technologies to market through a range of routes, including spin‑outs, licensing, and NPL’s own products and services.

Recent examples include:

• DAART – a digital metrology platform for radiotherapy audits.
• A new miniature atomic clock – developed by NPL and now being commercialised in partnership with an external organisation.
• Thermology Health – an NPL spin‑out that has developed the world’s most accurate thermal imaging platform, enabling earlier diagnostics through ultra‑precise temperature measurement combined with AI‑driven analytics.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced IP specialist to lead IP management and strategic planning activities that protect NPL’s freedom to operate while maximising the impact of IP generated across the organisation.

Working within a close knit, experienced and friendly team of IP specialists in the Customer Directorate, you will collaborate closely with science teams, technology transfer and legal colleagues, as well as external patent attorneys and partner organisations. You will play a key role in identifying, protecting and exploiting intellectual property arising from NPL’s cutting‑edge research and innovation.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing invention disclosures and recommending the most appropriate protection strategies.
• Conducting IP due diligence activities and unencumbering IP assets to enable commercialisation.
• Working alongside product owners to ensure IP strategies align with and strengthen the commercial objectives and business plans for individual innovations.
• Structuring, negotiating and advising on IP transactions and IP terms within third‑party agreements.
• Identifying IP‑related risks and recommending appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Managing a broad and technically diverse IP portfolio, including protection of registered and unregistered IP rights and management of associated budgets.
• Raising awareness and understanding of IP across the organisation by developing and delivering training, and acting as a trusted first point of contact for IP‑related queries.

About You

The ideal candidate will combine excellent interpersonal and communication skills with intellectual curiosity, commercial awareness and strong attention to detail.

Experience required:

• A strong technical background, educated to degree level in Science or Engineering, preferably with a postgraduate qualification.
• Hands‑on experience in technology transfer and/or managing a science‑based IP portfolio within a research organisation, academic institution or similar environment.
• A demonstrable interest in innovation and the commercialisation of research.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including scientists, senior leaders, prospective investors, collaborators and licensees.
• Demonstrated experience of managing a wide range of IP activities, both independently and as part of a dynamic team, with the ability to prioritise effectively against wider business objectives.
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to shape and secure appropriate IP terms and develop practical solutions to complex commercial and intellectual property challenges.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world‑leading centre of excellence that provides cutting‑edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here – The measure of us – Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well‑being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work‑life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.