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News and Events >Employment
Employment
**The below description is a DRAFT JOB DESCRIPTION provided for informational purposes only. Based upon input from the CU Human Resources Department, this description may change. Please check back regularly as information will be updated as it is received.**
Title of Position:
Technology Transfer Office (TTO) Life Sciences Licensing Associate. The mission of the CU Technology Transfer Office is to aggressively pursue, protect, package, and license to business the intellectual property generated from the research enterprise and to serve faculty, staff, and students seeking to create such intellectual property.
Department:
University of Colorado System Technology Transfer Office
Position Summary:
This professional-exempt position reports to an officer of the University, the Associate Vice President for Technology Transfer (AVP). The Licensing Associate has responsibility for the management and administration of a portfolio of intellectual property, including identifying, soliciting, and evaluating invention disclosures for patent and market potential, prioritizing investments in the portfolio, and negotiating and administering option and license agreements. The Licensing Associate is responsible for using judgment to ensure all transactions meet high quality of professional criteria including all pertinent policies, regulations and laws associated with the management of intellectual property.
The responsibility assigned to this position is by broad directive and is generally accomplished with little direct supervision. This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Technology Transfer, through and as directed by the campus Director of Technology Transfer, and has wide latitude in the selection and use of techniques, methods, and timing of operations. The performance of the person in this position is judged more by the quality of overall results than by conformance to pre-established specific standards. Responsibility for negotiating contracts and management of a patent portfolio, which frequently results in binding agreements on behalf of the institution, requires the use of superior judgment, good interpersonal skills, concise communication and a thorough knowledge of contract technical issues. This negotiation process provides limited opportunity for specific guidance or direct supervision; however communication with faculty and superiors during the major phases of the negotiation process is essential.
Overview of the Office:
The TTO is staffed by 15 professionals. The office provides strategic direction and IP management support to research investigators on the CU campuses. Technology transfer licensing associates work with inventors and with companies interested in licensing CU's inventions. A business development group works with inventors and with entrepreneurs, investors, and others in the start-up business community to create new companies based on CU inventions.
Primary Functions and Responsibilities:
Summer interns will be assigned several technologies, and will work closely with CU research scientists, TTO Licensing Associates and external advisors to move the technology towards commercialization.
- Manage a portfolio of university intellectual property, and as well, organize educational programs for faculty, inventors, and entrepreneurs, encourage and evaluate invention disclosures, oversee the filing and management of patent applications, market technology to industry, negotiate, draft and enforce license agreements, and review confidentiality agreements and material transfer agreements.
- Assist in the technical analysis and management of University inventions including assessing technical merit, patentability, commercial feasibility and overall management of campus inventions. Work with inventor-generated contacts and use research resources (on-line databases and other information sources) to identify potential licensees and decision makers, conduct market analysis, prepare and distribute marketing materials, and draft license, option, materials transfer, inter-institutional and related agreements;
- Provide counsel to investigators, students, and other administrative staff on matters involving intellectual property policies, procedures and decisions. Confer with campus administrative staff and investigators on intellectual property protection and licensing. Coordinate procedures to ensure compliance with rules, regulations, laws, university and state policies, and all contractual obligations;
- Maintain a caseload of inventions and administer patent and license functions on this caseload. Use communications and computer database tools to track and convey issues and decisions about invention disclosures, patent applications, patent prosecution, patent issuance and maintenance, and all contractual agreements and financial arrangements related to a particular technology;
- Where appropriate, participate in the formation of new business opportunities (ventures) arising from University intellectual property, and develop programs to expand university's collaborations with the private sector; and
- Assist with the daily operations of the Campus and System Technology Transfer Offices.
- . Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university, with major studies in the life sciences;
- One year of professional experience related to the negotiation, development, and legal implications of general business contracts;
- One year experience related to patent law and licensing contracts, in a university setting (may be co-extensive with preceding minimum qualification);
- Working knowledge of the philosophy of research, research design, and research procedures. One year professional experience applying these theories and principles;
- Working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to intellectual property. One year professional experience in the review, analysis, and application of federal and state laws and regulations related to intellectual property;
- Persuasive skills to influence others toward positive and favorable results. One year professional experience in contract negotiations;
- One year professional experience in precisely defining problems and identifying and combining relevant facts objectively and in perspective;
- Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work activities engaged in fulfilling office objectives;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively under general direction or guidelines with minimal supervision or instruction, and in a supportive role to others;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
- One year professional experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with management, academics, and other professionals, including external agencies, with varied interests and perspectives;
- One year professional experience in the identification, collection, analysis and presentation of data; and
- Strong sense of research and business ethics.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in life sciences field or MBA
- Professional experience (1-3 years) in the area of technology transfer or business development, including the development, preparation, review, and execution of a wide range of business contracts;
- Multi-faceted negotiation skills with the ability to clearly and succinctly express complex ideas and positions
- Professional experience (1-3 years) in the patent process, from conception to commercialization
- Professional experience (1-3 years) working collaboratively with researchers in intellectual property matters
- Considerable knowledge of higher education policies, practices and procedures
Compensation:
Commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience.
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