Leader, Intellectual Property

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 largest research and innovation 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 Client Agreements and Intellectual Property (CAIP) 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 Client Agreements and Intellectual Property (CAIP) Branch. NRC holds over 1600 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 CAIP NRC executives, and researchers/research managers.

This position reports to the Executive Director, Client Agreements and Intellectual Property.

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

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 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. 

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC 

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following 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 awareness of the characteristics of scientific and/or technology research environments;
• Solid knowledge of the IP protection processes in Canada, the United States, Europe and via the PCT;
• Knowledge of the markets for inventions and the financial and technical constraints affecting their commercialization;
• Ability to develop and implement IP strategies;
• Ability to assess, manage and mitigate risk in a business environment.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

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

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-

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.
• 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.