Intellectual Property Advisor

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, 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 an Intellectual Property Advisor to support our Client Agreements and Intellectual Property (CAIP). The Intellectual Property Advisor would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The incumbent will be managing NRC’s intellectual property, including developing and implementing diverse IP protection strategies to support the current and future needs of the organization. As part of this role, the IP Advisor will prepare, file and, where applicable, prosecute provisional and formal patent applications including those under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).  

This position reports to the Leader, IP Management. The incumbent is expected to provide guidance to the Client Agreements and Intellectual Property Branch (CAIP), researchers and managers with whom they collaborate. This position is within a team providing intellectual property strategy and protection services to Research Centres across NRC.  

The work also includes the management of external contracts with patent agents/patenting agencies and the provision of advice to the Research Centre clients on options available and suggested actions to be taken (including the management of protection costs).  

The IP Advisor could also review and provide support in the negotiation and drafting of various agreements, including licence agreements, collaborative research agreements and research services agreements.  

The IP Advisor may also contribute to a variety of IP-related projects such as IP awareness initiatives.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

University degree in Science or Engineering, with a concentration in electrical engineering, engineering physics, physics, or a related field.

Graduate/Advanced degree will be considered an asset but not required.

Registration as a Canadian Patent Agent. 

Registration or eligibility and willingness to obtain registration as Patent Agent in the United States.

A law degree with eligibility for membership in the Bar of one of the provinces or territories of Canada or in the Order of Notaries in the Province of Quebec will be considered an asset but not required.

Registration as a Canadian Trademark Agent will be considered an asset but not required.

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

Experience

• Significant* and recent** experience in reviewing invention disclosures.
• Significant* and recent** experience in preparing (including drafting) and prosecuting patent applications in advanced science or engineering disciplines.
• Significant* and recent** experience in communicating directly with inventors to define invention scope and range of application.
• Significant* and recent** experience in advising clients on intellectual property protection options, strategy and related issues.
• Significant* practical experience in the hands-on application of expertise in the technical field of the applicant’s degree(s) would also be considered an asset but not required.
• Significant* practical experience in the negotiation and drafting of licensing agreements, and IP-related provisions in collaboration agreements and research services agreements would also be considered an asset but not required.

* Significant is defined as at least 2 to 6 years of experience.

** Recent is defined as within the last five 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. 

Must maintain la patent agent licence in good standing in Canada and in the U.S.

Language requirements

English 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Advanced*** knowledge of the procedures involved in IP protection in Canada, the United States, Europe and via the PCT including the prosecution of patents, investigating validity of patents or other rights, and patent/literature searches is essential.
• Solid** knowledge of a broad range of engineering and scientific fields to the extent required to comprehend the scientific value and patentability of inventions.
• Solid** knowledge of Legislation, Regulations, case law, Rules and policies relevant to patents in Canada and the United States as well as International Agreements and International Organizations to which Canada is a signatory.
• Basic* knowledge of the markets for inventions and the financial and technical constraints affecting their commercialization.
• Ability to develop and implement IP protection strategies.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and to prioritize workload in order to meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to assess, manage and mitigate risk in a business environment.

*Basic – a basic understanding of the knowledge area is required.  The level of knowledge may be acquired through relatively brief (six months or less) training or through regular exposure.

 **Solid – a solid working level knowledge is required. The level of knowledge is used by fully qualified individuals to solve day-to-day problems and address normal issues.

 ***Advanced – in-depth knowledge (detailed and focused) &/or broad (extensive) knowledge of the subject area.  The knowledge is used to solve new problems and/or issues.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s):  Management Services; Technology Extension

View all competency profiles

Compensation

This position is classified as a Research Council Officer (RCO), a group that is unique to the NRC.  The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-3 or RCO-4 level, which is an intermediate to senior-career with a salary range of $119,688 to $168,192.  

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter how they meet the education and experience factors listed on the poster. Candidates must use the education/experience criteria as a header and then write one or two paragraphs demonstrating how they meet them by providing concrete examples.  In addition, the candidate is encouraged to describe in detail when, where and how he/she gained the experience. Failure to provide an appropriate cover letter will result in the rejection of your application. Candidates will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.
• This position is being advertised internally and externally simultaneously, however first consideration will be given to internal NRC applicants.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.