Licensing Director, Physical Sciences (University Staff Professional 1)

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 Technology Commercialization Services (TCS), the university’s Technology Transfer Office. The Licensing Director, Physical Sciences, 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 mentorship to the licensing team, as well as supporting startup companies affiliated with the university. The position reports to the Senior Director of Licensing and helps set the strategic direction for commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Educate faculty, staff, and students on technology transfer, intellectual property processes, 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 related research.
• Participate in team-based review meetings for patenting and commercialization decisions; 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.
• Provide advice and support for decisions related to the formation of university startup companies.
• Establish strong relationships with industry executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and researchers in Connecticut and beyond.
• Help develop and support programs to aid in the creation of startup companies by faculty and students.
• Engage in building academic-industry relationships.
• Collaborate with other members of the OVPR to achieve the office’s overall goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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, and startup companies.
• Demonstrated experience with the industrial relevance of early-stage inventions.
• Experience with intellectual property protection and patenting, particularly software-related technologies and data licensing.
• Ability to set priorities and work within targeted time frames.
• Demonstrated experience leading licensing, research, and commercial agreement negotiations with industry, academic, and governmental partners.
• U.S. citizenship (required due to access to Controlled Classified Information).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in 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, 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

This is a full-time, 12-month, permanent position.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn.
• Additional benefits available at UConn Health, including programs under Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning.

Location

This is an in-person position 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.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.