Manager of Technology Development, Engineering and Software (Innovation and Commercialization Specialist)

Indiana University - Indianapolis, IN

Full-time - Mid Level

Indianapolis, IN

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Manager of Technology Development, Engineering and Software is a pivotal role within the Innovation and Commercialization Office (ICO) at Indiana University. This position is designed to support the university's mission of transforming research into marketable innovations, thereby benefiting society. The ICO collaborates closely with faculty, industry partners, and the entrepreneurial community to facilitate the commercialization of university discoveries. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in enhancing the intellectual property pipeline and accelerating the commercialization of IU's intellectual property. This includes engaging with faculty to increase invention disclosures, drafting provisional patents, and evaluating the commercialization potential of technologies. In this role, the Manager will oversee day-to-day activities related to faculty engagement in technology development, patenting, and research commercialization strategies, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and life sciences. The position requires collaboration across both the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses, fostering strategic partnerships in Engineering and Software. The Manager will also be responsible for educating faculty and staff about intellectual property rights and the commercialization process, ensuring a clear understanding of how inventions are protected and brought to market. The Manager will represent Indiana University at state and national meetings concerning technology transfer and commercialization, working with various stakeholders to develop effective learning opportunities for faculty. This role also involves developing and implementing technology licensing programs, advising on technology licensing strategies, and providing guidance to less experienced licensing staff. The Manager will act as a thought leader in the university's technology licensing strategy, contributing to policy discussions and representing the university in negotiations with industry partners.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of technology license agreements, royalty agreements, and other commercial agreements.
• Foster connections between IU inventors and external collaborators to facilitate the transfer of university discoveries to the market.
• Manage day-to-day activities related to faculty engagement for technology development, patenting, and research commercialization strategy development.
• Engage and develop strategic collaborations in Engineering and Software.
• Collaborate with academic departments, research centers, and institutes to create effective learning opportunities for faculty around technology development.
• Facilitate understanding of intellectual property among university faculty regarding the protection and commercialization of inventions and technologies.
• Support educational programs for faculty, research scientists, and graduate students on technology commercialization and innovation planning.
• Represent the university at state and national meetings concerning technology transfer, commercialization, and intellectual property.
• Work with IU shared services partners to meet ICO needs, including finance, human resources, and communications and marketing.
• Develop and implement the technology licensing program to support faculty and staff in commercializing technology in its early stages.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, engineering, biomedical science, or related technical field.
• 7 years of experience in negotiating, drafting, and managing technology licensing agreements in a corporate or university setting.
• Proficient communication skills and a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrated experience in successful commercialization of university-based discoveries.
• Ability to influence internal and external constituents and maintain strong working relationships with faculty.

Nice-to-haves

• Ph.D. or terminal degree with a strong background in software engineering, information technology, bioinformatics, mathematics, computer science, or data science.
• Experience in negotiating agreements with milestone payments and various royalty structures.
• Registered patent agent status and experience as an entrepreneur in a technology-based startup.
• Working knowledge of federal and state laws regarding intellectual property and technology transfer.

Benefits

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)