About the position
The Assistant Director or Associate Director of Licensing at Tufts University plays a crucial role in the commercialization of university technologies for public benefit. This position is part of the Office of Technology Transfer and Industry Collaboration (OTTIC), which is responsible for managing the intellectual property portfolio of Tufts University and ensuring compliance with government regulations regarding federally funded research. The OTTIC actively seeks invention disclosures from faculty, staff, and students, and is tasked with identifying and reaching out to targeted companies and investors to facilitate the licensing of Tufts technologies. In this role, the Assistant/Associate Director will report to the Senior Director and will work independently to manage all aspects of technology licensing and industry interactions. This includes evaluating inventions for patentability and commercial utility, overseeing the patent prosecution process, and marketing Tufts technology opportunities to potential licensees and investors. The individual will also negotiate and execute various agreements, including commercial option/license agreements and sponsored research agreements, while establishing relationships with faculty, staff, and students to promote OTTIC and identify new opportunities. The position requires a proactive approach to business development and the ability to contribute to special OTTIC projects and initiatives. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with faculty, patent counsel, and industry representatives, providing guidance and serving as a resource for junior members of the office.
Responsibilities
- Assess the patentability, technological feasibility, and commercial viability of Tufts technology opportunities.
- Direct patent prosecution and other intellectual property protection strategies.
- Engage in business development activities and marketing campaigns to identify and market Tufts technology opportunities to potential commercialization partners and investors.
- Negotiate and execute commercial option/license agreements, sponsored research agreements, inter-institutional agreements, and other research support agreements.
- Establish relationships with and conduct outreach to Tufts faculty, staff, and students to promote OTTIC and proactively identify opportunities.
- Contribute to special OTTIC projects and initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or other physical science related disciplines.
- 7+ years of experience in technology transfer or a related industry or academic setting with a deal-sheet reflecting multiple license agreements.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Internet.
- Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Outgoing and approachable with a professional demeanor and strong customer focus.
- Ability to handle multiple projects and concurrent deadlines with frequent interruptions.
- Highly motivated, self-starter, detail-oriented, able to handle confidential matters with discretion, and possess excellent prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Adaptable to shifts in prioritization of projects while maintaining project momentum.
- Solid knowledge of patent law and familiarity with license and research agreements.
Nice-to-haves
- Completion of one (or more) of the following degrees: M.B.A.; M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical / Computer / Software Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or other physical science related disciplines.
- Experience with commercialization of software, AI/ML, and other digital/copyrightable assets desirable.
- Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) credential desirable.
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements (hybrid position)
- Competitive salary range based on experience and expertise.
