Technology Licensing Associate

The University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute is seeking to hire a Technology Licensing Associate. The Technology Licensing Associate is responsible for managing a portfolio of intellectual property cases and will be primarily responsible for working with faculty in the physical sciences and School of Medicine to: 

• identify potential inventions -evaluating inventions for marketability and appropriate form of intellectual property protection

• developing and executing commercialization strategies for inventions

• participating in company formation decisions and implementing spin-off strategies

• actively market or respond to market inquiries from industry for technologies

·   negotiate option and license agreements and intellectual property terms of other University agreements

• follow-up and monitoring of option and license agreement performance

Preferred candidates will have knowledge about general patent requirements and processing, as well as some prior knowledge of copyrights. Preference will be given to candidates with academic technology transfer experience.

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship inspires, educates and enables others to make an impact on society, improve the regional economy and transform their own careers. The office is composed of four units: The Innovation Institute, the Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships, the Big Idea Center for student innovation, and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. For more information please visit the website at: innovation.pitt.edu .

Job Summary

Develops and oversees licensing opportunities for intellectual properties and manages a portfolio of cases. Determines and negotiates potential University licensing opportunities and executes commercialization strategies for inventions. Initiates communications with and qualifies potential licensees, writes agreements, and ensures the University’s patent rights are secured.

Essential Functions 

Must exhibit the ability to formulate and to close corporate deals and exhibit entrepreneurial skills. The ability to work on multiple, complex transactions is essential to success in this position.

Physical Effort 

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. 

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

The University of Pittsburgh requires all Pitt constituents (employees and students) on all campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Visit hr.pitt.edu/contact-ohr to learn more.

 
Assignment Category Full-time regular
Job Classification Staff.Licensing Specialist I
Job Family Research
Job Sub-Family Licensing
Campus Pittsburgh
Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor’s Degree
Minimum Years of Experience Required No experience required
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience?  No
Additional details about Required Licensure/Certification An advanced degree in a physical or computer science field is highly preferred; an MBA or JD is helpful.
Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Work Arrangement Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.
Hiring Range TBD Based Upon Qualifications
Relocation Offered No
Visa Sponsorship Provided No
Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances Not Applicable
Required Documents Resume, Cover Letter
Optional Documents Not Applicable