Tech Launch Arizona is seeking a self-motivated, outgoing individual with a scientific degree and experience in technology transfer and demonstrated ability to work independently in a Licensing Manager (LM) (Tech Transfer Pro II) position. The Physical Sciences LM, working directly with faculty, staff, and students, will support and expand UArizona’s significant portfolio of physical sciences intellectual property and increase the impact associated with the inventions and discoveries associated with the University’s national reputation of research excellence. This position will report to the TLA’s Director of Licensing & IP.
Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to be ITAR/EAR compliant.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
Duties & Responsibilities
- Understand the research activities across departments and the potential of that research for intellectual property (IP) protection and impact through commercialization;
- Help streamline the technology commercialization process for inventors by shepherding invention disclosures, CDAs, patent applications, marketing collateral, term sheets, options, license agreements, and other necessary elements in the technology transfer process;
- Familiarize the faculty, staff, and students with technology transfer in terms of purpose, intellectual property, process, and value of commercialization to the College, inventors, community, and Arizona;
- Foster relationships with faculty to make them aware of commercial potential for their research, both present and future;
- Work independently to guide inventors through invention disclosures, NDAs, conflict of interest considerations associated with startups, and other interactions with TLA, including meaningful prior art searches and results;
- Work with inventors to determine technology milestones, timelines for moving technology into a commercial product, and appropriate IP strategies, and help to assess and prioritize inventions for TLA’s Asset Development funding;
- Help to assess and prioritize inventions for TLA’s Asset Development funding;
- Work with TLA marketing and market research teams to identify potential licensees and contacts within those companies;
- Work with researchers, TLA Intellectual Property Manager and team, and outside patent counsel to manage patent prosecution and other protection of inventions;
- Negotiate various agreements, including licenses or options for intellectual property rights, and manage ongoing relationships with licensees;
- Participate in outreach events to promote TLA and commercialization opportunities; and
- Additional duties may be assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- General knowledge of intellectual property law, intellectual property evaluation, and contracts, especially as pertains to a university setting;
- Ability to work collaboratively with researchers or technical staff in intellectual property matters;
- Strong business ethics and service orientation;
- Superior communication skills, both oral and written;
- Multi-faceted negotiation skills with the ability to express complex ideas and positions clearly and succinctly;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, peers, academics, and other professionals, including external agencies, with varied interests and perspectives; and
- Ability to be self-motivated and outgoing.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience required, with major studies in a science-related field;
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience is typically required in technology transfer, technology licensing, business development, contract negotiation, or commercial assessment experience, including the development, preparation, review, or execution of contracts;
- Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to be ITAR/EAR compliant.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience in a scientific-related field;
- Over 3 years of relevant work experience in technology licensing, business development, contract negotiation, or commercial assessment experience, including the development, preparation, review, or execution of a wide range of business contracts;
- Experience working with researchers, creators, or technical staff in IP matters in related domains in a university or comparable setting;
- Experience working with intellectual property, specifically patents.
- Experience as a team player who seeks, and uses effectively, instruction and advice from professional colleagues.