Intellectual Property

**INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER**

The IP Business Development Officer is a dynamic and strategic role responsible for

driving the commercialization of intellectual property generated within the University

of Limpopo. Working collaboratively with the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and

the UL Digital Hub, the incumbent will lead efforts in drafting market assessments,

Techno-Economic feasibility studies, project concept documents, business cases,

funding proposals, and the establishment of spin-out and spin-off subsidiary

companies. Additionally, the role involves business development initiatives for small

and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and UL Digital hub incubates.

**Qualifications and Experience**
- A Master’s degree at NQF 9 in Science/Agricultural Economics/Economics.
- 1-3 years’ relevant experience in innovation/Business development and such

as:

- Technology research and development towards viable products/services
- Commercialisation e.g. negotiating and concluding IP licensing or

assignment deals, market analyses, fund raising for development and

commercialisation, etc.
- Comprehensive knowledge of intellectual property laws and technology transfer

processes.
- In depth understanding of the Intellectual Property Rights of Publicly Funded

Research and Development Act (51 of 2008) and its Regulations
- Experience working within a scientific or research environment.
- Understanding of the South African innovation ecosystem and funding

opportunities for technology transfer.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Scout for potential intellectual property (IP) with commercialization prospects,

advising researchers on opportunities for commercialization.
- Collaborate with researchers, innovators, and stakeholders to draft market

assessments, Techno-Economic feasibility studies and project concept

documents.
- Develop business cases/plans for the commercialization of intellectual property

products and services.
- Establish long-term programs/interventions to support the commercialization

of innovations from UL (such as IP Commercialization training, researcher

mentoring sessions, etc.).
- Develop market analysis, financial projections, and strategic considerations to

attract investment and support decision-making processes.
- Identify funding opportunities for technology development and

commercialization by engaging with researchers, industry partners, and funding

agencies.
- Assist in the process of establishing and managing IP spin-out companies.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements of products/services.
- Provide business development support to the UL digital hub SMME’s and

incubates.

**Competencies and Behavioural Attributes**
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
- Ability to build and maintain internal and external networks.
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Service-oriented approach and ability to work in cross-functional teams.
- Critical thinking and problem solving abilities.

**CLOSING DATE: 27 DECEMBER 2024**

contact numbers of three (3) referees, certified copies of all qualifications including

Matric/ Grade 12 Certificate, academic transcripts and a South African ID/ Passport
- Telephonic enquiries regarding conditions of service: Ms Beauty Tshehla (Tel 015 268 _
- 3740) _
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign obtained qualifications evaluated by _
- the South African Qualifications Authority. Please note that failure to submit the _
- The University of Limpopo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All appointments will be _
- made in accordance with the University’s Employment Equity Policy. Preference_**_: _**
**_INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER _**
**_DECEMBER 2024 _**
- will be given to Male (Africans, Indians and Coloureds) Female (Coloureds and _
- Africans) _
- not been contacted within 30 days of the closing date must consider their applicants _
- as unsuccessful. _

**_The University reserves the right not to make appointment_