Specialist: Intellectual Property & Commercialisation (Technology Transfer Office)

University of the Western Cape; Knysna; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A notable university in South Africa is seeking a Technology Transfer Specialist to manage the commercialisation of intellectual property developed at the university. The successful candidate will engage with researchers, develop IP strategies, and manage partnerships. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree and 5-7 years in technology transfer or innovation. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential. This full-time position offers an opportunity to impact university-based research in the market.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in Technology Transfer or Innovation environment.
• 2 years postgraduate research or relevant experience.
• Preferred experience in Intellectual Property Management.

Responsibilities

• Identify innovative technologies with UWC researchers.
• Manage engagement with IP attorneys.
• Develop and implement commercialisation strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Verbal and written communication skills

People management skills

Education

Postgraduate degree in Science, Engineering, Technology or Law

Masters degree in relevant field (added advantage)

Job description

Overview

Post Number ITS: 2132
Faculty/Department: University of the Western Cape → Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation → Technology Transfer Office
Type of Position: Permanent - Full Time
Length of Contract: Period Location: UWC Innovation Hub - WC ZA (Primary)
Closing Date: 22/2/2026

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC)’s Technology Transfer Office (TTO) sits within the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation portfolio. Key functions of the TTO are to (1) raise awareness of the national legislation on Intellectual Property (IP), UWC Research and IP Policy, and the value of protecting IP (2) manage IP disclosures and protection (3) support and facilitate the protection and commercialisation of UWC’s IP and (4) promote a culture of innovation.

The UWC TTO is looking for an individual to join our team who has the appropriate knowledge, skills, competencies and passion for commercialisation of UWC’s Intellectual Property and Innovations and is keen to be involved in the various aspects and processes of getting university-based research outputs to social and/or economic markets.

Reporting to the TTO Manager, the role of the Technology Transfer Specialist: Intellectual Property & Commercialisation involves developing strong relationships with UWC’s researchers, as well as with intellectual property stakeholders and other innovation/commercialisation partners, in order to identify, protect and commercialise UWC’s intellectual property.

The successful candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following key areas:

• Engaging with UWC researchers to identify innovative technologies/solutions
• Undertaking IP & Innovation Evaluation to assess the potential of these innovations, including conducting prior art searches and analysing patent landscapes
• Developing and implementing IP prosecution strategies for these innovations and guiding TT Project managers when necessary
• Analysing and interpreting IP office actions, simplifying technical/legal language, and advising researchers and TTO staff on appropriate responses
• Developing and implementing commercialisation and/or innovation development strategies for innovations
• Identifying and managing partnerships with relevant innovation partners for specific IP and commercialisation opportunities
• Managing engagement with IP attorneys
• Advising on complicated IP clauses in agreements
• Managing technology transfer projects from disclosure through to commercialisation
• Managing the TTO’s Intellectual Property Portfolio
• Promoting and representing the UWC’s technology transfer function to internal and external stakeholders, including training and awareness events
• Providing general support with TTO operations and activities as well as specific TTO-led initiatives

Minimum Requirements

Minimum Requirements (Qualification and Experience):

• Postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification at NQF8 in a relevant Science, Engineering, Technology or Law discipline
• 5-7 years of experience in a Research Institution Technology Transfer or Innovation environment, preferably in Intellectual Property Management
• 2 years postgraduate research or other relevant experience

Added Advantage

Added Advantage:

• Masters degree or equivalent qualification at NQF9 in a relevant Science, Engineering, Technology or Law discipline
• Law degree (LLB) or studying towards a Law degree
• 4 years of experience in Intellectual Property Management and Protection
• 3 years of experience in project management and new product/innovation/business development

Required Competencies and Skills

(skills, knowledge and behavioural attributes):

• Sound Knowledge of the university-developed IP protection and prosecution process
• Sound Knowledge of the commercialisation of university-developed IP
• Good analytical skills to conduct prior art searches and market research
• Experience in managing technology transfer portfolio projects
• Solid understanding of the IPR-PFRD Act and compliance requirements of the TTO
• Excellent verbal, written and report writing skills (English)
• Ability to translate complex concepts into clear accessible language to a diverse range of audiences
• Excellent people management skills, especially the ability to interact effectively with a range of stakeholders at all levels
• The ability to work as part of a high-performing team

For further information on the UWC TTO (not applications), please contact the Technology Transfer Director, Dr Ana Casanueva at [phone] or [e-mail]

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at [phone]/3642/9362/9708/3160/3756 or email: [e-mail]

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.