Intellectual Property Manager

Job description:

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation.

Role highlights

• Lead strategic IP management across CSIRO's Health & Biosecurity sector
• Provide advice to senior leaders and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
• Drive innovation and commercial impact at Australia's National Science Agency

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit for more information.

The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) Manager to join CSIRO's award-winning IP Team. This senior role offers the chance to work at the forefront of science and innovation, supporting high-performing teams in the Health & Biosecurity and Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) Research Units.

As the IP Manager, you will play a key role in shaping and managing CSIRO's IP portfolio, providing expert advice to senior leaders, and driving commercialisation strategies that maximise research impact. You will work across multidisciplinary teams, contribute to major transactions, and help build organisational capability in IP strategy and governance.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Managing CSIRO's IP portfolio including protection, exploitation, and defence of IP assets.
• Providing strategic patent attorney advice across patents, copyright, trademarks, and commercial transactions.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to drive commercialisation and revenue generation.
• Leading internal education initiatives and contribute to organisational IP capability development.

Role particulars

Location: Melbourne or Brisbane preferred, other locations may be considered.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements available

Salary: AU$163k - AU$180k per annum (pro-rata for part-time) + up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Indefinite, Full-time

Reference: 101851

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A technical degree in biochemistry, molecular biology and/or biotechnology, ideally with a PhD or postgraduate qualifications in one or more of these technical areas.
• Current registration as a Trans-Tasman (i.e. AU and NZ) Patent Attorney.
• Experience in genetic engineering and diagnostics, with ability to apply technical knowledge to the identification, protection and commercialisation of IP in complex research and innovation environments.
• Demonstrated experience in independently managing IP portfolios, including the application of IP laws, particularly patent laws to the above areas of technology.
• Strong IP knowledge with expertise in patent law and practice, and in all or most of the following areas: confidential information and trade secrets; licensing; patent and other IP dispute resolution; copyright; software and data; other forms of IP (e.g. ICIP (Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property)); trademarks.
• Demonstrated experience in negotiating with other parties in relation to IP rights.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills and demonstrated ability to think and act laterally and strategically.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to foster and develop strong relationships in cross functional teams across the organisation and with external stakeholders.

For full details about this role, and other criteria, please review the Position Description.

Not sure if you meet all the criteria?

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don't let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Sheridan via email at and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian Citizens, New Zealand Citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How to apply

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close

23rd November 2025, 11pm AEDT.