"IP Manager"

IP Manager

Location: Currently Robert Hooke Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PR, but will permanently relocate to University Offices, 5 Worcester Street in late 2026.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional passionate about research and innovation. Join our dynamic Innovation and Engagement team at the University of Oxford and work alongside world-leading experts, driving discoveries that shape the future.

Location: Robert Hooke Building, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PR

Salary: Standard Grade 8: £49,119 - £58,265 p.a. (pro-rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 p.a.

Contract: Permanent, Full Time (0.8FTE may be considered).

About Us
Spanning the historic “city of dreaming spires,” the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

As a key member of our Innovation and Engagement team, you’ll lead on the efficient and effective management of University research outputs. Working across every discipline and in partnership with our technology transfer experts and academics, you’ll progress new technologies from scientific research towards commercial opportunities and contribute to spin-out formation. We offer a collaborative, supportive environment that values creativity, partnership, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

What We Offer

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the best family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role in managing innovative University technologies—research outputs such as materials, data, software, and patents. Working with senior leads, you’ll oversee the team’s technology portfolio, provide operational leadership for key workstreams and line manage staff. As a senior University representative, you’ll authorise contracts negotiated by team members and oversee the distribution of income from successful commercialisation.

You will provide contracts review and negotiation on a portfolio of technology projects that includes some of the more complex technology projects or strategic relationships. You will be instrumental in identifying where external parties have contributed to the development of those technologies, and reach agreement on managing their contributions to enable a range of commercial activities led by our technology transfer partners.

About You
To be successful in this role you will have:

• A University degree or equivalent, preferably in a scientific or legal discipline.
• Extensive experience in contracts, licensing, or IP management in an HEI or commercial environment.
• A strong understanding of intellectual property rights, data governance
• Demonstrated people management skills, with the ability to support, develop, and motivate staff.
• Knowledge of major research funders and current issues in research and innovation
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, including leveraging AI, automation, and data analytics tools (such as Power BI) to enhance operational efficiency, reporting and decision-making.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to manage and resolve escalations effectively, ensuring timely solutions and maintaining strong working relationships.
• Exemplary interpersonal and influencing skills, able to communicate confidently with stakeholders at all levels.

Application Process
To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter OR supporting statement, explaining how you meet each of the selection criteria in the job description using examples of your skills and experience (3 pages max.)
• Your CV (4 pages max.)
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 12 January 2026.

Contact: Lucy Booth | uas.talentacquisition@admin.ox.ac.uk | Vacancy ID: 183398