Senior Licensing Officer

Job Description

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) facilitates and oversees technology transfer to government and industry, fosters collaborative research with the private sector, and manages the Laboratory’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio. In order to support the creation of increased transfer opportunities in complex federal and private-sector landscapes, the Laboratory is seeking a Senior Technology Licensing Officer. This position will have the unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with world-class researchers, industry leaders, and legal experts to bring MITLL’s inventions to the global marketplace. The role will encompass a diverse range of responsibilities, allowing you to leverage expertise in engineering / physical sciences while making a significant impact on the commercialization of intellectual property (IP).

 

Essential Functions

 

• Identify potential licensees in spinout/startup companies, small businesses, large industry leaders, and the defense industrial base
• Assess value proposition of IP assets (both patent and non-patent) in the context of industry trends and partner business goals
• Negotiate license and other agreements to simultaneously achieve goals of licensee, government sponsors, and MIT
• Carefully understand technology sensitivities as it relates to national security classification and export control and respond accordingly in license negotiation / execution
• Work collaboratively with the IP management team to understand available assets and provide feedback on patent prosecution/IP protection strategy based on licensee needs and progress
• Work with collaborative research contracting team to ensure strategic alignment of sponsored research agreements and parallel / future licensing transactions
• Work collaboratively with the marketing / business development functions to maximize effectiveness of outreach
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with MIT campus technology licensing office staff to ensure effective information exchange, co-management strategies of overlapping cases, and best practices for licensing under MIT policies
• Manage a diverse portfolio of cases, strategizing a variety of licensing approaches (express licensing, exclusive/non-exclusive licensing, open-source, etc.) for commercialization in alignment with government sponsor and national security goals

Requirements

 

• Minimum of a B.S. in Engineering, with preference given to candidates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Optical Engineering
• An advanced technical degree is preferred, although not required
• 8 years of direct experience in the engineering and/or physical sciences industries, including at least 5 years in a position involving activities such as technology licensing, product management and/or business development, and contract negotiation
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; effectively address complex business, legal, interpersonal, and inter-organizational issues; work independently; and exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders, including research staff, administrative staff legal professionals, and industry representatives
• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, a collaborative approach to developing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Prior experience in government technology transfer is strongly preferred
• U.S. citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security c