Applications are invited from qualified persons for appointment as ADMINISTRATOR, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPA) for the Intellectual Property Unit, KNUST (IPUK).

The Position

The Intellectual Property Unit, KNUST (IPUK) is a newly created office that seeks to ensure that staff, students and visitors of the University are granted the right type of protection for their inventions and creations. IPUK has two principal goals: first, to protect and facilitate the transfer of technology developed at KNUST for public use and benefit. Second, to provide an additional source of income to support research and teaching at KNUST. In line with these goals, the University is looking for a highly competent and motivated person, who has knowledge and expertise in the field of Intellectual Property Rights, technology generation, protection, commercialisation and technology transfer to coordinate activities of the new office. The IPA will be required to manage all issues concerning intellectual property rights including industrial property and copyright.

Specific Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Administrator, Intellectual Property Rights include but not limited to:

• Working closely with the Legal Office and other relevant units to develop strategies, guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide all issues pertaining to intellectual property in KNUST;
• Analyse the Intellectual Property (IP) generation potential of KNUST and recommend appropriate steps towards identification, motivation and capacity building of staff and students;
• Analyse IP capacity needs of the University and recommend appropriate measures to be taken;
• Conduct strategic analysis of potential markets and barriers to commercialization and how take advantage of and manage them;
• Perform market research, developing marketing strategies and valuation of technologies, liaise with the Legal Office and Colleges and to ensure that all legal issues relating to intellectual property are appropriately resolved;
• Develop strategies to create awareness and promote the creation of innovations and inventions among staff and students;
• Establish and maintain a database on all inventions or creations from staff and students of the University; and,
• Maintain cordial relationship with internal and external stakeholders including faculty, students and visitors on matters pertaining to Intellectual Property Rights and for smooth transfer of technology.

Qualification and Experience

• Minimum MPhil/MSc/MA in Intellectual Property or equivalent degree from a reputable institution;
• 3-5 years post-graduation working experience in managing the preparation and documentation of Industrial property and copyright applications, experience freedom-to-operate searches and filing in a private or public institution or a technology transfer office;
• Demonstrate knowledge in the application of standard principles, laws, regulations, and practices relating to the protection and management of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and University technology transfer;
• Be knowledgeable in modern methods of patent tracking and with advanced knowledge in IPR docketing systems;
• Be familiar with local and international laws on intellectual property rights.
• A Team player within a diverse academic environment with strong interpersonal and people-oriented skills and responsive to the needs of faculty members, students, visitors and industry partners. 
• Dynamic, enthusiastic person willing to explore new frontiers
• Well organized person with the ability to follow-through to the end for results
• Demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to make and utilize new contacts.
• Precise attention to detail, well organized, with ability to identify errors, offer solutions/suggestions, and to meet strict deadlines.
• Self-starter with the ability to plan, prioritize and complete assignments with minimum supervision within deadlines
• A solid/good communicator with strong verbal and written communication skills, critical thinking and active listening
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information in a prestigious university

Mode of Application

Interested candidates must pick up application forms from the Office of the Deputy Registrar, Human Resources Division (Room 214), Main Administration Block, KNUST or complete the form online at https://apps.knust.edu.gh/StaffApplication

Closing Date

Ten (10) copies of the completed Application Forms with Curriculum Vitae, two (2) Referees Report and photocopies of relevant Certificates should be submitted to the Deputy Registrar, Human Resource Development,  not later than FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2020.

REGISTRAR