Research Commercialization Officer

Please note: This is a two-year fixed term contract with benefits.  

About the Role: 

Reporting to the Executive Director, Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship, the incumbent provides critical support for the management of Brock’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio, researcher engagement in the commercialization process, and oversight of agreements and financial terms related to research-generated IP. Working closely with Brock LINC team members, faculty researchers, and external partners, the incumbent helps ensure that Brock’s innovations are effectively evaluated, protected, and positioned for commercial success. The incumbent plays a key role in advancing Brock University’s mission to translate research into societal and economic impact. 

The Research Commercialization Officer will:  

• Oversee project management for Brock’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio, including invention disclosures, assessments, patent filings, and ongoing case activity;  

• Lead file management, patent administration, contract/agreement tracking, deadlines, and financial term documentation;  

• Develop and maintain standardized processes, SOPs, and tracking mechanisms to ensure efficient IP operations;  

• Lead the sourcing, implementation, and ongoing administration of an IP management software system, ensuring accurate data entry, reporting, and workflow optimization; 

• Track and coordinate payments related to IP protection, licensing, and commercialization activities;  

• Evaluate the commercial potential of invention disclosures received, through conducting prior art searches, technology evaluations, preliminary market research, and identification of possible applications or partners in partnership with the Innovation & Commercialization Manager;  

• Document assessment outcomes and provide preliminary recommendations for each technology;  

• Provide support in drafting, reviewing, and administering agreements for commercialization-related grants and partnerships, including NDAs, MTAs, option agreements, licensing agreements, and research contracts;  

• Track compliance with commercialization agreements, including reporting requirements, milestones, and financial obligations;  

• Manage commercialization budgets, royalty reporting, revenue processing, and income distribution in accordance with university policies and agreements;   

• Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows seeking guidance on IP, commercialization options and processes;  

• Coordinate introductory meetings with researchers to explain IP policies, invention disclosure procedures, and IP protection options;  

• Support the Innovation & Commercialization Manager in delivering workshops, and training sessions to grow IP awareness and readiness across campus.  

Please note: This position is required to work on-site three days a week and may require occasional evening availability. 

Key Skills and Experience: 

• Graduate Degree in a relevant discipline (scientific, engineering, or business field). The equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered;  

• Experience in technology, transfer, intellectual property management or research commercialization; 

• Strong understanding of intellectual property (IP) processes, patent administration, and commercialization pathways; 

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills, including prioritizing workloads in fast-paced environments with shifting deadlines; 

• Proficiency in contract review and financial tracking for IP agreements;  

• Experience implementing new software tools; experience with data management systems is an asset. 

• Solid computer proficiency, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, web applications and maintenance, social media, and internet research; 

• Promotes and embodies inclusivity and respect within the workplace and the broader community; 

• Ability to interpret and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences; 

• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with strong negotiation abilities and tact in building consensus; 

• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and sound judgment in decision-making, particularly under strict timelines and confidentiality requirements; 

• Ability to respond quickly to client needs and resolve issues effectively;   

• Commitment to staying current with emerging commercialization practices, legislation, and internal policies, procedures, and standards. 

Preferred or Asset Skills:  

• Masters/Ph.D. in a STEM-related field or an MBA;  

• Experience with project coordination, contract administration, or research support in a university or innovation environment;  

• Knowledge of the Canadian research funding and innovation ecosystem. 

Salary and Total Rewards:  

• Job Grade L, Salary Scale ($66,817-$108,353); 

• Target Hiring Range: $70,000-$75,000 

• This is a fixed term contract that includes:   

• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage. 

• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan. 

• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays. 

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available.  

*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range. 

We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed.

Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups.

We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please contact talent@brocku.ca  if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met.

Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process.

We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca.