Licensing Director, Physical Sciences (University Staff Professional 1)

Search #: 499368 • Full-time • UConn Storrs

About the Role

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at the University of Connecticut is seeking an energetic and experienced scientific R&D professional to join our Technology Commercialization Services (TCS), the university’s Technology Transfer Office. As Licensing Director, Physical Sciences, you will manage the evaluation, patenting, marketing, and licensing of the physical sciences and engineering portfolio of university inventions. This role includes providing leadership, strategic oversight, and guidance through supervision, training, and mentorship of the licensing team, as well as support to startup companies affiliated with the university. You will report to the Senior Director of Licensing and help set the strategic direction of commercialization strategies for the university. U.S. citizenship is required due to access to Controlled Classified Information.

Responsibilities

• Familiarize faculty, staff, and students with technology transfer processes, intellectual property, and the value of commercialization.
• Evaluate invention disclosures in the physical sciences for patentability and market potential.
• Develop and execute invention-specific marketing plans, patent strategies, and commercialization strategies to attract potential licensees.
• License technologies to industry through active marketing and negotiate complex licensing deals.
• Meet with faculty and staff to aid in invention evaluations and track the progress of continued research related to inventions.
• Participate in team-based review meetings for decisions on patenting and commercialization of inventions; present inventions for review as needed.
• Work with the internal patent team and assist with patent prosecution for inventions.
• Negotiate options, licenses, letters of intent, term sheets, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, and inter-institutional agreements.
• Participate in discussions and provide advice to support decisions pertaining to the formation of university start-up companies.
• Establish strong relationships with industry executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and researchers in Connecticut, the region, and beyond.
• Help develop and support programs devised to aid in the creation of startup companies by faculty and students.
• Engage in building academic-industry relationships.
• Work with other members of the OVPR to achieve the office’s overall goals.
• Perform other related duties.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in the physical sciences, engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least three years of direct experience in technology licensing, evidenced by negotiated contracts with major engineering, physical science companies, and startup companies.
• Demonstrated experience with the industrial relevance of early-stage inventions.
• Experience with intellectual property protection and patenting, especially software-related technologies and data licensing.
• Experience setting priorities and working within targeted time frames.
• Demonstrated experience leading licensing, research, and commercial agreement negotiations with industry, academic, and governmental partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in the physical sciences or engineering with expertise in electrical or computer science engineering.
• Five or more years of experience in technology licensing, evidenced by negotiated contracts with major engineering, physical science companies, and startup companies.
• Combination of business and academic/R&D experience in engineering or physical sciences.
• Experience with the formation of equity-based ventures and intellectual property issues.
• Experience working in an academic environment and ability to interact well with faculty.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-month, permanent position. This is an in-person role based at the Farmington (UConn Health) campus with travel to the Storrs campus as needed; hybrid work arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn.
• Comprehensive benefits package (see UConn Health Benefits for details).