Associate, Intellectual Property Management and Licensing (AI, Data Science, Digital Tech)

FUNCTION & SCOPE

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York (RF) is seeking an energetic, results-oriented Associate for Intellectual Property Management and Licensing Business Development and Licensing to support its Innovation and Partnerships (I&P) team and help make SUNY the best place for researchers and innovators to solve the world's most pressing problems, and connect those solutions with partners that translate them into products and services that will transform lives.

DUTIES

• Lead innovator engagement efforts to proactively identify new intellectual property (including software, algorithms, data-driven models, and AI-enabled platforms) that should be disclosed.
• Work collaboratively with IP Licensing Managers, IP Assistants and Compliance Coordinators to ensure all disclosures are accurately captured in Minuet and that all sponsor (e.g., federal, state, private) reporting requirements are addressed using the appropriate tool (e.g., iEdison).
• Complete intellectual property and market opportunity assessments of new technology disclosures by conducting IP searches and market research to evaluate the patentability and commercial potential of inventions, including software, AI models, data assets, and computational tools.
• Engage IP counsel, as needed, to develop and implement IP protection strategies which may include the filing of patents, registration of copyrights, and/or documentation of know-how.
• Proactively support IP Licensing Managers and sometimes lead the development and implementation of marketing and licensing strategies, including outreach to AI companies, software firms, cloud/data platform providers, and advanced manufacturing stakeholders.
• Represent I&P professionally and regularly on campuses across the enterprise; prioritize building a comprehensive and regularly campus trip schedule to share with campus constituencies.
• Consult with Sponsored Programs personnel to ensure compliance with sponsor obligations.
• Travel regularly to campuses and other locations.
• Document all work in Minuet.
• Aid in IP prosecution and support preparation of materials describing software, algorithms, and AI systems for both protection and commercialization.
• Other duties as assigned to support I&Ps goals and the mission of RF.

Requirements

• A passion for science and technology and knowledge of transitioning innovation from academia to industry.
• An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, or a related computational or quantitative field is preferred; candidates with a Bachelor's degree in computer science (or a closely related field) combined with an MBA or equivalent business qualification will also be strongly considered.
• Strong research skills.
• Familiarity with software, AI/ML systems, data governance, and/or digital technology commercialization pathways.
• Experience with patent and/or copyright portfolio management; patent agent credential is a plus.
• A proven track record in innovation or commercialization.
• CLP or RTTP Accreditation.
• A passion for science and technology and knowledge of the process of transitioning technology from the academic bench to qualified industry partners.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience with app or software development.
• Experience designing and executing research projects.
• At least one year of experience working in technology transfer, business development or intellectual property or software/AI-related commercialization environments.

SALARY RANGE

$81,286 - $97,054

Additional Information

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law. The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.