IP & Technology Transfer Specialist

The TU/e Knowledge Transfer Office (KTO) is the university’s hub for transforming scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. A central component of this mission is the active identification, protection, and commercialization of intellectual property (IP) arising from TU/e research. You will join KTO’s IP support and technology transfer team, working closely with business developers, researchers, and TU/e Participations.

Information
We are looking for a tech-savvy IP professional with a strong understanding of deep‑tech innovation and a passion for translating scientific discoveries into societal and economic value. Rather than focusing mainly on legal tasks, this role emphasizes IP evaluation, technology positioning, commercialization potential, and strategic portfolio development, in close collaboration with inventors, business developers, and external partners.

This position offers autonomy, variety, and the opportunity to work at the interface of advanced technology, market opportunities, and intellectual property strategy at one of Europe’s leading engineering universities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Early‑Stage IP Scouting & Invention Evaluation

• • Engage directly with research groups to identify promising inventions and technology opportunities.
  • Assess technical merit, patentability, competitive landscape of new disclosures.
  • Guide researchers in drafting high‑quality Invention Disclosure Forms (IDFs) and in understanding IP processes.

1. IP Protection Strategy & Patent Portfolio Development

• • Shape the protection strategy for TU/e technologies, aligning it with scientific strengths and market relevance.
  • Coordinate with business developers on patentability assessments, prior art reviews, and filing decisions.
  • Organizing, filing and prosecution of new and existing IP filings.
  • Monitor the ongoing quality and positioning of TU/e’s patent portfolio, ensuring resources are focused on technologies with strong commercial promise.

1. Commercialization & Tech‑Transfer Pathway Development

• • Translate technical concepts into value propositions for industry partners, licensees, and potential spin-offs.
  • Work with business developers to explore licensing opportunities, market entry routes, and potential partnerships.
  • Support TU/e Participations and venture-building colleagues in preparing IP elements relevant for spin-off creation (ownership clarity, licensing structure, strategic fit).

1. Data‑Driven IP Insights & Automation

• • Use advanced tools, including AI-driven IP analytics, to identify technological trends, competitors, and whitespace opportunities.
  • Contribute to automating parts of the IDF intake, evaluation, and portfolio management workflows.
  • Help develop dashboards and analytical tools for IP portfolio monitoring and decision support.

1. Community Engagement & IP Awareness

• • Develop and deliver IP awareness activities, workshops, and materials for researchers and support staff.
  • Promote a culture of innovation and early reporting of research results across departments.
  • Act as a trusted advisor for researchers navigating commercializing their ideas.

Education & Experience

• Academic background, preferably a Master or a PhD in engineering or physics or related technical fields.
• Experience in technology transfer, IP management, innovation support, or R&D environments (5–10 years).
• A solid understanding of patents and IP processes; legal training is welcome but not the focus of this role.

Expertise

• Strong affinity with:
  
  • IP strategy and technology positioning
  • Patentability assessments and technology landscaping
  • Commercialization routes for deep‑tech (licensing, partnerships, spin-offs)
  • Automation, digital tools, and data-driven portfolio insights
  • AI-supported patent analytics (preferred)

Skills

• Highly tech‑savvy and comfortable working with modern IP and data systems.
• Strong communication skills—able to translate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to serve as a connector between researchers, business developers, and external partners.
• Proactive, analytical, structured, and service‑oriented.
• Fluent English and preferably also in Dutch.

An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• Position 1.0 – 0.8 FTE; initial one-year contract with the intention of permanence.
• A monthly salary of minimum € 5,705 to maximum € 7,904 for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 12/13 Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• A dynamic, mission-driven work environment on a vibrant campus.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate, for you and, if applicable, your partner.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, you can contact Euflex Search & Select, 100% subsidiary of TU/e.

Ceciel Gijsbers or Linde Keverkamp, cgijsbers@tue.nl resp. l.c.keverkamp.hoek@tue.nl, 0651164692 resp. 040-2476303

For questions about the application process or the conditions of employment, please contact ...

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.