Licensing Associate - KUCTC

Department:

KUCTC Operations

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KU Center for Technology Commercialization

Position Title:

Licensing Associate - KUCTC

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

The Licensing Associate will work under the direction of the Director of Licensing for the KU Center for Technology Commercialization (KUCTC) which serves all KU campuses, including the KU Medical Center in Kansas City. The mission of the KUCTC is to manage discoveries and innovations made from research so that they may have greater impact, benefit the public, and promote economic development. Licensing Associates are generally responsible for sourcing, reviewing, and manage invention disclosures; maintaining relationships with faculty, assisting in protecting and marketing innovations; and negotiating contracts relating to commercialization efforts.

Job Description:

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Innovation Management:

• Establish and maintain relationships with researchers, educate KU faculty about intellectual property and technology transfer.

• Review, research and assess new discoveries and innovations for potential commercial value, patentability, marketability, and technical understanding.

• Advise researchers and make decisions on patent prosecution and copyright protection; assist in development of IP protection strategies and management of KU’s IP portfolio.

• Manage portfolio of IP assets and corresponding relationships with researchers; provide feedback and assist researchers in navigating the patent process; help researchers seek additional funding and resources to further develop of KU innovations and discoveries.

Business Development:

• Prepare non-confidential summaries for marketing.

• Identify and engage companies and individuals in commercialization discussions.

• Coordinate with KUCTC marketing staff to post marketing or promotional materials on the website and through other communication channels outlets.

• Assist KUCTC marketing staff in contacting and distribute marketing materials to targeted companies and individuals

• Represent KU at local, regional, and national partnering and business development events

License Technologies to Startups and Existing Companies:

• Develop terms and conditions for research collaboration and licensing opportunities.

• Negotiate licenses and other contracts with existing companies, startups, and other partners.

Operations & Compliance:

• Data entry and use of technology transfer data management system.

• Coordinate and assist other KUCTC staff with technology transfer tasks  

• Familiarity with Bayh-Dole Act and assists in ensuring compliance and reporting through US Government's iEdison system.

Other:

• Participates in professional development and training opportunities.

• Complex problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and implement solutions.

SENIOR LICENSING ASSOCIATE ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Mentor and advise junior members of the Licensing Team

• Represents KUCTC in seminars and other educational events at KU

• Manage KUCTC internship program

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

*To be considered for the senior role the requirements are listed in Education and Work Experience*

Required Qualifications

LICENSING ASSOCIATE:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, physical science, engineering or related field or Law degree with experience in patent law.

Work Experience:

• 1 year of IP evaluation, technology development, and/or technology commercialization experience.

SENIOR LICENSING ASSOCIATE:

Education: Master’s degree in life sciences, physical science, engineering, or related field

Work Experience: 

• 3 years of academic technology transfer, business development, commercialization experience.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanc