Patent Portfolio Manager

Working in imec’s patent group is an excellent opportunity for a Patent Portfolio Manager who wants to join a growing and IP-conscious global leading research organization, enabling further professional growth.

You help building, with the colleagues in your patent team, a strategic and business relevant patent portfolio in support of imec’s Smart Electronics and Applications (SEA) unit. Within time, you will have the opportunity to grow in the job and to address imec’s need for patent counseling.

What you will do

• You work closely with researchers and their management to identify and to encourage business-relevant inventions.
• You assess the patentability of these inventions and their fit in imec’s patent portfolio’s.
• When a search for patent information is needed, you cooperate with your patent information officer to obtain the relevant patent information.
• You will help your team leader in drafting, filing and prosecution of patent applications in several countries, thereby instructing and cooperating with local patent agents. Within time you may draft and prosecute your own patent applications and manage your own patent portfolio.
• With your patent administration officer, you ensure that all corresponding data is correctly docketed in imec’s IP management software allow reporting to imec’s management.
• Within time, you may enjoy considerably autonomy in managing your patent portfolio and advising management on R&D and valorization activities based on patent information.

What we do for you

We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium.
In this role, you will join an enthusiastic, hands-on team of 20 colleagues: patent portfolio managers, patent information offices and patent formality officers. Since years, imec is in the top three of Belgian applicants of European patent applications. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of this patent team that strives to make the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will define the society of tomorrow. 

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.

We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits.

Who you are

• You want to use your optical, electronics and/or electrical engineering background (MSc degree or PhD).
• You have a genuine passion for technology and innovation, with interest in business.
• Knowledge of Intellectual Property Rights, especially patents, is considered a strong plus.
• You are willing to follow an extensive training (on-the-job, classroom) on patent law in line with your knowledge and experience, to obtain a profound understanding of intellectual property rights.
• You combine this with good analytical skills.
• You work accurately and in a structured way.
• You can cope with a high work pace and handling deadlines efficiently.
• You are motivated to achieve the best results.
• You are an enthusiastic team player and liaise in a constructive way with researchers and R&D managers, also on technical and business-related topics.
• You can work independently and take initiative.
• You have good communication skills, both orally and written.
• You have a thorough knowledge of English. Knowledge of Dutch is considered a plus.