Here are some sample job advertisements for this type of role:
A Technology Manager’s role at the Center for Technology and Venture Commercialization (TVC) at the University of Utah is to develop deep relationships with University faculty to promote innovation that has strong commercial potential with the ultimate goal of monetizing these innovations through licensing transactions, which generate downstream revenue through a variety of contractual obligations. The majority of their time will be spent meeting with inventors and developing relationships with potential licensees.
Education of TVC’s mission is a core theme of faculty interactions, the intent of which is to produce higher quality, curated invention disclosures across all university colleges, institutes and departments. Based on their significant domain expertise and vast industry relationships, Technology Managers also provide awareness to faculty of technology solutions that are most valued by global markets to influence their research efforts.
Responsibilities
- Developing deep relationships with faculty and actively engaging them in the commercialization process
- Managing a medical device portfolio
- Participating in university outreach to educate inventors on role of TVC
- Evaluating invention disclosures for their commercial potential
- Working with faculty, the Manager of IP and outside IP counsel on patenting, copyright and trademark decisions
- Marketing technologies to industry
- Engaging industry partners for potential licensing deals
- Communicating industry feedback to faculty
- Executing licensing transactions to industry
- Representing the university at industry conferences, from time-to-time, that are relevant to technology transfer activities
Faculty engagement:
- Assisting faculty who aren’t familiar with TVCs process to complete invention disclosures
- Encouraging faculty to disclose inventions, highlighting the advantages of how patents can help technology transition to the market
- Maintaining regular interactions with faculty to learn about upcoming innovations, discussing market gaps, making appropriate connections with TVC services and otherwise ensure the highest probability of successfully commercializing a technology
- Mentoring faculty on future work to pivot their research towards commercialization
Tech Evaluation:
- Evaluating a technology for its commercial potential, provide recommendations on the development of a technology and implement steps toward licensing.
- Understanding the future development and funding needed to advance a technology to a value inflection point
IP Management:
- Working with IP counsel in evaluating prior art searches for IP potential of a technology
- Working closely with IP counsel to establish and manage an IP prosecution strategy
Marketing:
- Marketing technologies for licensing consideration
- Engaging with industry on a regular basis to expand TVC networks, keep abreast of market trends, get feedback on technology potential and identify licensing opportunities
- Attending relevant trade shows to promote the technology portfolio
- Hosting corporations at TVC to promote University research, faculty engagement and licensing opportunities
Licensing:
- Engaging with industry on a regular basis to keep abreast of market trends and licensing opportunities
- Working with TVC stakeholders to advance a technology through a licensing transaction to industry
This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a Life Science, Physical Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field required with advanced degree preferred. Five years full-time experience in industry, marketing or business development; and demonstrated effective communication and human relation skills required.
Entrepreneurial, communication and interpersonal skills are critical for success in this position.
Work experience in an industrial field specific to area of assignment (Pharma, Biomedical/Biotechnology, Diagnostics, Physical Sciences, or Computer Industry) is strongly preferred.
Previous university administrative or research experience, or familiarity with the university environment preferred. Work experience in a university or industry technology transfer office preferred.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
- Have between three to five years of experience in the technology transfer field
- Have two or more years of industry experience in the medical device field.
- Hold an advanced degree in a life science or bioengineering field.
- Have industry experience in a life science sector, particularly medical devices.
- Have business development and marketing experience.
- Have excellent analytical skills and the ability to present written and oral materials in a professional manner.
- Have a strong orientation toward customer service.
- Be self-motivated and require minimal supervision.
- Have good interpersonal skills.
- Be a good communicator.
- Be a team player.
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary
Under the general direction of the Executive Director of the Office of Technology Management (OTM) or designee, the Licensing Officer is responsible for identifying, evaluating and licensing inventions in the field of the life sciences created by the researchers at the Medical School. In addition, the Licensing Officer will work closely with a variety of individuals, including researchers, industry representatives, and intellectual property attorneys to analyze and summarize technical and scientific information throughout the licensing process.
Responsibilities:
- Actively engage faculty to identify patentable discoveries and inventions and to encourage the regular submission of invention disclosures
- Evaluate invention disclosures for patentability and commercial potential and make recommendations to the Executive director with regard to patent filing
- Negotiate option and license agreements and prepare and complete other agreements, including materials transfer, sponsored research, inter-institutional, and confidentiality agreements.
- The Licensing Officer will also work with researchers to evaluate their technology for start-up potential
- Work with UMASS Counsel as needed to decide complex legal issues relating to the various agreements negotiated in the Office of Technology Management.
- Work with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Office of Clinical Research in reviewing and drafting intellectual property provisions in grant awards and Clinical Study Agreements
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications:
- An advanced degree in a biological science or equivalent work experience required.
- 1-2 years of related experience in an academic technology licensing office
- Highly motivated with proven ability to work within both a business and academic environment. Demonstrated broad knowledge in the biological sciences through academic study and/or industrial experience
- Experience in identifying and commercializing technology
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Must possess advanced computer skills, including knowledge of databases and preparation of PowerPoint presentations
- Ability to handle multiple complex assignments
Additional Information:
- Degree in a Life Science is highly preferred;