Licensing Manager

USC Stevens Center for Innovation is a university-wide resource whose mission is to help USC innovators maximize the impact of their ideas. The center manages the university’s intellectual property portfolio, stemming from approximately $1 billion in annual research expenditures, and oversees patenting, technology marketing, licensing, and new venture development to transition innovations into commercial applications for societal benefit.

About the role

This position offers an opportunity for an entrepreneurial-minded physical science graduate to play an active and critical role as new technologies move from idea to market. You will contribute to innovation management and licensing within a bold, forward-thinking academic institution.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the assessment of inventions and identification of commercial applications through research and analysis of markets, competitive technologies, prior art, and patent landscape.
• Manage a portfolio of university-owned engineering and physical sciences inventions.
• Identify potential commercial applications and business partners for university inventions.
• Market university inventions through multiple channels to prospects capable of bringing the inventions to market.
• Negotiate and complete non-complex licenses and related agreements, including developing business terms and overseeing internal diligence procedures prior to signing.
• Assist in the management of complex intellectual property portfolios.
• Coordinate efforts with USC Stevens staff, university researchers, business partners, law firms, and others.
• Track activities in databases and ensure information is up to date.
• Contribute to ongoing process improvement to deliver high-quality, professional service to a growing base of inventors and business partners.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in quantum computing, applied physics, or electrical engineering.
• Passion for emerging technologies and strong organization and communication skills.
• Prior licensing and/or technology assessment experience is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• PhD in a physical sciences field.
• 1 year of experience in a corporate or university technology transfer and business development setting.
• Ability to gather information and perform research using databases and other online sources.
• Experience evaluating the market potential of early-stage software and inventions in engineering/physical sciences industries.
• Understanding of the patent prosecution process.
• Highly self-motivated with outstanding organization and time management skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and complete projects on a timely basis, working both independently and as part of a team.
• Eagerness to take ownership of projects and a high level of attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to convey technical concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with collaborators.
• Customer service oriented with perseverance and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of patent and contract law.
• Business development experience.

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $97,263.28 - $110,000.00.