Intellectual Property Portfolio Specialist (Tokyo Office)
Are you fascinated by how scientific advances are shaping our future? Would you like to be involved in applied cutting-edge science? Are you interested in contributing to the translation of exciting new discoveries into useful products?
Set in a tropical paradise and considered by many as a hidden gem, OIST is an ambitious academic experiment designed to foster open, interdisciplinary innovation. The breadth of scientific disciplines at OIST is wide, ranging from neuroscience to applied mathematics, from molecular biology to AI, from quantum computing to renewable energy. Founded only 13 years ago, OIST is a highly ranked graduate university and host to Adjunct Professor Svante Pääbo, the 2022 recipient of the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.
OIST Innovation is the technology commercialization hub at OIST. We promote the development of new technologies, embrace collaborations with industry, support innovators, and launch startups through a full-service suite of programs, networks, and resources. OIST Innovation is a key part of the University’s strategy to seed an innovation ecosystem in Okinawa that is linked to technology transfer, industry partnerships, and startup incubation. We identify opportunities by developing close relationships with our faculty and research community.
The IP portfolio team at OIST Innovation is seeking a curious, forward-thinking, and motivated collaborator who strives for challenges and has an open, inquisitive mindset. You will be given the freedom to learn and grow in a complex job that spans demanding technical understanding, multiple-stakeholder communication skills, business acumen, and an understanding of patent and contract law.
Our futuristic campus, collaborative academic environment and strong focus on entrepreneurship and commercialization make OIST a highly rewarding place to develop your technology transfer career.
Join us in this adventure and contribute to making a positive impact on Okinawa, Japan, and the world.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
- Handle the filing and prosecution of patent applications by collaborating with patent attorneys in and outside of Japan; interface with relevant OIST researchers and external counsel to provide direction or instructions.
- Lead internal meetings and manage relationships with OIST researchers; provide direction and support for claims drafting, filing, and prosecution of applications.
- Work closely with IP docketing staff and third-party IP counsel to manage and coordinate the workflow.
- Participate in and assist with the management, growth and maintenance of OIST’s global intellectual property (IP) portfolio, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Carry out analyses of patents and patent portfolios from legal, technical and business perspectives.
- Manage contracts related to IP, such as material transfer agreements (MTAs), patent assignments and joint filing agreements.
- Review and authorize third party invoices, coordinating with the Section Manager to ensure adherence to the budget.
- Address IP-related inquiries from other sections at OIST; establish and implement internal IP policies.
- Collaborate with other professionals in OIST Innovation, including licensing and business development specialists, to identify and establish relationships with potential industry collaborators, licensees, or investors.
- Some of the above responsibilities are expected to be carried out at the OIST main campus on short-term assignments.
(Required)
- Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering fields
- Experience in developing IP strategies and handling patent cases in Japan and other countries
- Business-level proficiency in English, including a high level of reading comprehension and writing skills for legal and technical documentation
- Strong communication skills to develop relationships with OIST researchers and IP law firms in Japan and abroad
- Ability to draft and review patent claims and specifications aligned with technology portfolios and business objectives
- Excellent time management, teamwork, and organizational skills
(Preferred)
- Business-level proficiency in Japanese
- Master’s or Ph.D. in science or engineering fields
- Legal knowledge and experience handling contracts
- Familiarity with patent practices in major countries
- 5+ years of experience in a corporate IP department or IP law firm, or qualification as a patent attorney
Expected Annual Salary: 8,800,000 yen
*This amount represents the median annual salary for this position, which will be determined based on your experience and skills in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Remote Work system
- Cover letter in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications. OIST Privacy Policy
- Recruiting Organization: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation
- Prevention of Passive Smoking: No smoking indoors
- Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities
(Information Disclosure – 10. Others – 6. OIST Rules for Concurrent Appointment) - Further details about the University can be viewed on our website
Full-time, Non-fixed term appointment.
Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive)
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00