Intellectual Property Technology Specialist

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.

About The Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Director, Licensing Compliance and Royalty Distribution, this role serves as a strategic subject matter expert, providing critical guidance and technical insights to Business Development Directors regarding the university’s patent portfolio. Assisting in the management of a diverse portfolio of 500+ active patent families, the incumbent is responsible for the full lifecycle of intellectual property assets. The incumbent will leverage advanced technical expertise and a deep understanding of 35 U.S.C. 2011 Edition statutes to oversee the filing, prosecution, maintenance, and defense strategies required to support commercialization goals. This role acts as a vital bridge between faculty inventors and outside counsel, ensuring that patent strategies are not only legally sound but also commercially optimized. By conducting in-depth IP analysis and quality oversight, this position ensures that the university’s intellectual capital is robustly protected and positioned for successful licensing and institutional impact.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management & Strategic Planning
• Operations & Quality Control
• Stakeholder Engagement & Administration

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a scientific or technical field is preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience supporting an IP portfolio within an academic, tech transfer, corporate or related environment or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Work experience within a technology licensing office at a major university is a plus.
• Registered Patent Agent status is a plus.

Skills

• Working knowledge of patent prosecution (35 U.S.C. 2011 Edition).
• Detailed understanding of the nuanced issues related to the protection and enforcement of IP within an academic or research institution.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex IP concepts for a variety of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage a large, complex workload, prioritize tasks, and juggle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Excel and computer databases to create ad hoc reports for data analyses.
• High degree of professionalism, diplomacy, and collaboration.
• Demonstrated maturity in navigating the needs of multiple stakeholders within a complex academic environment.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to exercise good judgment and discretion independently.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively and productively with faculty and senior officials from academia, industry, and government.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, and wellness programs.
• Time off and annual paid holidays.
• Employee discounts.
• Flexible work/life balance with summer hours and winter break.

Schedule

This is a full-time, hybrid position. The employee is expected to be on campus a few days per week.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.