Intellectual Property Commercialization Leader

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 an Intellectual Property (IP) Commercialization Leader to join the Business Management Directorate of our International Innovation (BII) Branch. The  Intellectual Property (IP) Commercialization Leader would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The Business Management Directorate is responsible for establishing key business development and Intellectual Property (IP) commercialization policies and frameworks, champions best practices, provides technical business intelligence for strategic initiatives, convenes the Business Development Community of Practice and supports NRC strategic priorities including leading IP commercialization-focused initiatives.

The IP Commercialization Leader (IPCL) will work closely with IRAP, the NPO, NRC’s IP team and researchers and business professionals in NRC’s Research Centres to advance the licensing and commercialization of NRC generated intellectual property.

More specifically, the successful candidate will be required to:

• The IPCL assists in identifying IP with strong commercial potential;
• Leads the establishment of IP commercialization teams;
• Assists in building strong industry-attractive value propositions and identifying prospective Canadian licensees;
• Develops strategic approaches to marketing the IP;
• Implements targeted plans to engage potential receptors and negotiate licenses to NRC IP. 
• The IPCL also leads the organization in employing AI to facilitate and accelerate the transfer of NRC IP to Canadian Industry.

The IPCL will work closely with other RC business development, contract and IP management employees to develop new approaches to support technology transfer and share best practices regarding IP commercialization and will provide guidance in NRC’s IP committee meetings on the commercial potential of technologies to support the sound governance of NRC’s IP.

The IPCL will also support internal initiatives to improve IP commercialization understanding across the organization, support increased business innovation, as well as external initiatives to increase awareness of NRC’s IP portfolio and to demonstrate IP commercialization leadership, within the federal government, through active participation in the Federal Intellectual Property Partners group.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in working within a fast-paced business environment at Canada’s leading research and technology organization.

To know more about the NRC and the advantage, please click on the following link: https://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/careers/nrc_advantage.html.

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

Bachelor of Engineering, Science or Business Administration.

Masters of Business Administration would be an asset

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

Experience

• At least 5 years of recent** experience in leading teams of business and research staff in IP commercialization activities;
• Significant* and recent** experience in managing and leading IP commercialization activities in a research environment;
• Significant* and recent** experience in strategic stakeholder engagement planning and execution;
• Significant* and recent** experience in researching and negotiating IP-related agreements to successful closure and positive impacts for Canadian industry;
• Relevant experience in industry and technology transfer networks, including collaboration with industrial and academic partners;
• Demonstrated experience in the development and integration of tools, policies, and marketing strategies to support technology transfer;
• Experience in technology transfer of IP arising from collaborative R&D projects with industrial partners;
• Demonstrated experience in leveraging intellectual property to address industry and public sector challenges;
• Experience in communicating both verbally and in writing technology business opportunities to potential and existing clients;
• Experience in utilizing AI tools to assist in identifying potential licensees.

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

 ** Recent is defined as within the last five years

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Some travelling is required.

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

• Knowledge of IP protection/management / commercialization and technology transfer;
• Solid working knowledge in intellectual property, research and development, and innovation;
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to use well developed influencing strategies to achieve outcomes;
• Demonstrated ability to develop network of clients and collaborators, and to build trusted relationships with various stakeholder groups, including researchers, government, industry and academia;
• Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize AI-tools in order to increase the effectiveness and success rate of IP commercialization activities;
• Demonstrated advanced analytical and problem solving skills; strategic and critical thinking;
• Strong ability to analyze market dynamics and translate them into IP commercialization opportunities;
• Demonstrated ability to meet IP commercialization objectives by leading outreach or marketing efforts which are aligned with strategic goals and that have had significant impact for the organization;
• Ability to work independently, with remote supervision and remote teams

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

BII is specifically looking for candidates with strong experience and a track record of successfully commercializing IP in a research environment.

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-4 to RCO-5 level, which is a well established-career level position with a salary range of $143,127 to $183,010.

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).

In addition, the incumbent will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

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.