IP Officer

KU Leuven Research & Development (LRD) is a team of 150 dedicated professionals who support researchers in transforming their innovative ideas and technologies into impactful products and services. For several consecutive years, KU Leuven was named the most innovative university in Europe by Reuters. LRD plays a key role in this success by bridging the gap between leading academic research and society, particularly the business world.

Through knowledge and technology transfer, LRD strengthens the societal and economic impact of scientific breakthroughs at regional, national, and international levels. With extensive expertise in collaboration agreements, patent and licensing protection and management, the creation and support of spin-off companies, and regional innovation initiatives, LRD guides researchers throughout the entire valorization journey. Its goal is to maximize the societal and economic potential of research.

Within LRD, the Intellectual Property Department supports researchers in the further development of their research results and their interactions with external parties. The department evaluates research outcomes and inventions for their innovation and commercialization potential and advises colleagues in other LRD departments.

To strengthen this department, we are looking for an Intellectual Property Officer who wants to contribute to the valorization of groundbreaking research.
Functieomschrijving You will be part of the team responsible for the creation, management, and commercialization of intellectual property rights. You will work closely with researchers and colleagues across the organization to ensure optimal protection and valorization of research results, with particular attention to intellectual property aspects.
Your responsibilities:

• Together with the team, you will manage intellectual property rights within the research domains of engineering sciences, computer science, exact sciences, and related disciplines. You will assess inventions and research results for patentability and commercialization potential;
• In close collaboration with the team, you will help develop, draft, and file patent applications and actively follow up on patent procedures. You will advise researchers on the most suitable intellectual property protection strategies, both in the context of research projects and contractual collaborations;
• You will contribute to the development of valorization strategies and help identify opportunities for the further commercialization of research results;
• You will advise colleagues from other LRD departments, such as Legal Services, Flemish and Federal Government Funding, European and International Projects, and the Spin-off Department, on IP-related topics.

Profiel

• You hold a Master's degree in engineering sciences, computer science, exact sciences or a related field. A PhD is considered an asset, particularly because of the experience gained with scientific research in a university setting;
• You have knowledge of and/or affinity with ICT and software, particularly with respect to intellectual property aspects;
• You have relevant professional experience in intellectual property, for example in industry, a technology transfer environment, or a patent firm;
• You have a solid knowledge of intellectual property law and a basic knowledge of contract law;
• You have several years of experience assessing the patentability of inventions, drafting patent applications, and managing patent procedures. Qualification as a European Patent Attorney, or being at an advanced stage of the qualification process, is required;
• You have an interest in legal issues and an affinity for the practical application and implementation of intellectual property law;
• You are able to quickly familiarize yourself with new, diverse, and complex scientific subject matter and can translate legal complexity into pragmatic and workable solutions;
• You are a team player and value collaboration and knowledge sharing;
• You are mature, professional, and possess strong communication skills;
• You work accurately and independently and can manage multiple files simultaneously and prioritize effectively within strict deadlines;
• You have an excellent command of both Dutch and English, spoken and written.

Aanbod

• An engaging and challenging position with a focus on continuous innovation and development in a multidisciplinary and international environment;
• Full-time employment is preferred (80% employment is negotiable), with a permanent contract;
• Relevant training and development opportunities, with room for professional growth;
• A competitive and attractive salary package, supplemented by various benefits associated with employment at KU Leuven. 

We offer you the opportunity to work at one of Europe's leading technology transfer offices, headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion, and expertise, you will contribute to a team that shapes the future and creates global impact