Applications are invited for appointment as Assistant Director/Senior Manager (Intellectual Property Management) (at the rank of Assistant Registrar/Administrative Assistant I) in the Technology Transfer Office (Ref.: 534203) (to commence as soon as possible, on a two-year fixed-term basis with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme, totalling up to 15% of basic salary, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance)
The Role
The Assistant Director (Intellectual Property “IP” Management), will play a pivotal role in advancing the University’s research commercialisation agenda. Reporting to the Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) or his/her delegate, the successful candidate will evaluate inventions for technical merit, commercial potential, and patentability, while strategically guiding the University’s IP portfolio.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively across various units and subsidiaries of the University, including the commercialization team at University of Hong Kong Versitech Ltd, HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core (TEC) and HKU Innovation Holdings Ltd to foster a vibrant culture of innovation and entrepreneurship through strategic partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership in developing and executing the university's overall IP strategy; advise senior leadership on IP trends, risk and opportunities;
- Oversee the University’s IP portfolio (patents, copyrights etc.), making strategic decisions regarding filings, prosecution and maintenance;
- Collaborate with academic inventors to assess invention disclosures and lead IP due diligence;
- Engage with external stakeholders such as patent attorneys, investors and external consultants to align IP strategy with business objectives and decision making;
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the University’s academic and research community to stimulate IP awareness and engagement; and
- Manage the IP budget, forecast costs for patent activities, and optimize resource allocation for cost-effective management.
Qualifications and Qualities
Applicants should:
- Possess a Master’s or PhD in a scientific or engineering discipline. Equivalent professional qualification in IP Management or Law will also be considered;
- Have at least 10 years of post-qualification work experience in IP management, preferably within a university technology transfer office, research institute or relevant industry;
- Possess a proven track record in patent prosecution, portfolio management and IP strategy;
- Strong understanding of the end-to-end technology transfer process, from invention disclosure to licensing / spin-out creation; and
- Familiarity with IP law in key jurisdictions (U.S., Europe, Asia and PRC) and experience in managing external legal counsel.
Candidates with slightly lower qualifications and/or less experience may be considered for appointment at the Senior Manager level.
What We Offer
A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, in addition to annual leave and medical benefits. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.
How to Apply
The University only accepts online applications for the above post. Applicants should apply online and upload an up-to-date C.V. Review of applications will start as soon as possible and continue until February 20, 2026 or until the post is filled, whichever is earlier.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency.
