Leader, Intellectual Property

**Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.**
- The _Employment Equity Act_, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

**City**: Ottawa

**Organizational Unit**: National Programs and Business Services Branch

**Classification**: RCO

**Tenure**: Term

**Duration**:12 months - with possibility of extension

**Language Requirements**: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

**Work Arrangements**: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least three times per week or a minimum of 60% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.

**Discover the possible**:
Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

**The Role**:
We are looking for a Leader, Intellectual Property (IP) to support our Business and International Innovation (BII) Branch. The Leader, IP would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

We are looking for an Intellectual Property (IP) professional to lead the IP team within our Business and International Innovation (BII) Branch. NRC holds over 1950 patents and has the largest IP team in the Government of Canada. This is a unique opportunity to influence intellectual property strategy in a multi-faceted research organization.

The incumbent will be leading NRC’s intellectual property activities, including:

- Developing over-arching IP policies and frameworks.
- Overseeing NRC’s patenting activities and associated decision-making process.
- Managing technology licence agreements.
- Optimizing IP processes.
- Ensuring strong IP governance and reporting.
- Advising research programs on intellectual property strategy.
- Providing expert guidance to the BII NRC executives, and researchers/research managers.

This position reports to the Director, Business Support Team.

**Screening Criteria**:
**Education**:
A university degree in law, business, or a related field.

A master’s degree **would be considered an asset**.

Holding a patent agent licence in good standing **would be considered an asset**.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

**Experience**:

- Significant* and recent** experience in managing a team and planning team activities and priorities.
- Significant* and recent** experience in the management of intellectual property in a science or technology environment.
- Significant* and recent** experience in overseeing a budget / financial forecasting and reporting.
- Significant* and recent** experience in advising internal clients and senior management on intellectual property matters.
- Significant* practical experience in the negotiation and drafting of licensing agreements, and/or IP-related provisions in collaboration agreements and research services agreements **would also be considered an asset**.
- Significant is defined as 2 to 6 years

**Recent is defined as within the last 5 years

**Condition of Employment**:
Secret Clearance
A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

**Language Requirements**:
Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

**Assessment Criteria**:
**Technical Competencies**:

- Solid knowledge of policies and sound practices related to IP management, contract management, financial management, human resources management, and procurement management.
- Knowledge of the NRC, its mandate and programs and aware