Innovation Associate

About the Role

This position supports multiple, concurrent projects across the enterprise, focusing on technology assessment, commercialization strategies, and intellectual property management.

Responsibilities

• Gather data and interpret inventions and new technologies, completing technology assessments by analyzing the competitive and patent landscape to draw conclusions or make recommendations regarding commercialization potential.
• Engage with innovators, including researchers, faculty, and staff, to identify and evaluate new inventions, innovations, and business opportunities. Obtain necessary information to guide commercialization strategies within your portfolio and assist licensing managers as needed.
• Provide innovator support and education regarding inventions, intellectual property, commercialization, and enterprise policies.
• Manage an assigned portfolio through diligent and accurate use of relevant databases (e.g., Sophia).
• Develop and implement marketing outreach strategies for invention disclosures and cases, including writing marketing summaries and identifying and engaging potential licensing partners.
• Assist licensing managers in identifying, initiating contact with, and negotiating with potential licensees.
• Write, design, and present deliverables in a logical, clear, and concise manner for various audiences within and outside the enterprise (e.g., senior management, innovators, administration).
• Coordinate licensing and commercialization activities with other members of the Office of Technology Transfer.
• Assist in creating and presenting materials for outreach sessions to build awareness of opportunities and obligations related to intellectual property reporting, protection, and licensing.
• Review and manage licensee compliance and required reporting for portfolio cases.
• Identify, initiate contact with, negotiate, and draft licensing agreements for tangible materials.
• Review publications for potential undisclosed innovations.
• Coordinate with management and leadership to prepare and maintain standard operating procedures and forms for technology transfer operations.
• Identify diverse funding sources (e.g., North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Foundations) and raise awareness among innovators. Assist with the application process as needed.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field (required).
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be substituted.

Skills

• Ability to function in a fast-paced team environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and high-quality work standards; ability to work relatively independently.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact creatively and harmoniously with coworkers and inventors.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and complete projects in a timely manner.
• Technical aptitude and experience understanding complex biological and medical technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a life science-related field and experience in technology transfer and/or contracting.
• Experience in university or federal laboratory technology transfer (a plus).
• Relevant industry experience (advantageous).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to provide outstanding customer support to stakeholders in a growing healthcare and research enterprise.
• Sound decision-making skills and balanced judgment, with flexibility in thought and style to maximize interactions with innovators and commercialization stakeholders.
• Dependable team member who works well within a dynamic, results-oriented group.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.