Licensing Manager

At Vylor, we’re advancing agriculture through breakthrough science—combining elite germplasm, cutting-edge biotech, and next-generation expertise in gene editing and molecular breeding. Our portfolio includes trusted industry brands like Pioneer®, Brevant®, and Hoegemeyer®, delivering performance farmers rely on. Join us to help scale innovation globally and shape what’s next in crop science.

About the role

We are seeking a dynamic, goal-oriented, and results-driven Licensing Manager with demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). The ideal candidate will work effectively with multiple internal functions including R&D, Legal, Finance, and business teams, and have experience in technical writing, contract drafting, negotiation, and process management. You will manage multiple projects concurrently and efficiently, with a solid understanding of intellectual property management and scientific/technical arenas, and a strong teamwork orientation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and execute the diligence and agreement negotiation actions necessary to establish R&D and business-level licenses, collaborations/alliances, and technology transfer transactions between Vylor and public and private entities, largely in support of Vylor R&D.
• Coordinate, lead, and manage technology and/or intellectual property contract negotiation and agreement management related workstreams with colleagues in R&D, legal, external affairs, technology scouting/acquisition, alliance management, open innovation, regulatory, supply chain, finance, and other groups in Vylor.
• Work with Vylor finance managers and legal counsel to obtain necessary financial and legal clearances and guidance for agreements and associated projects.
• Draft and negotiate agreements, with experience defining, writing, and validating terms leading to successful alliances/collaborations and licenses. Capable of issue-spotting and taking agreements from term sheet to executed contracts.
• Coordinate clearance and approval for release, license, or transfer of technologies, traits, and germplasm (working with others in Vylor as appropriate) and manage this process across geographies.
• Facilitate and monitor agreement management, stewardship, and compliance including contract database entries, payment and other contract obligations, reports, exercising of options, terminations, etc.
• Develop and maintain strong knowledge of important agreements and their impact on new or ongoing technology contract negotiations.
• Maintain relationships with a network of contacts in both Vylor and the public and private sectors to determine shifting structures, standards/norms, roles, and goals within the industry.
• Provide guidance and training to Vylor-internal R&D and business clients with respect to Technology Transfer and Licensing standards and processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or chemical sciences is required.
• Master’s (or higher) degree in a biological or chemical science discipline, or a Master of Business Administration or law degree, is preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience working in an academic or corporate licensing or technology transfer function is strongly preferred.
• Exposure to or experience with (i) agreement negotiations, (ii) intellectual property rights, (iii) patent process, and/or (iv) contracting and technology licensing norms and issues; preferably in agriculture or the life sciences.
• Understanding of intellectual property management, chemistry/biology/biochemistry research, and regulatory activities in agriculture or related areas is preferred.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of plant biology/physiology, genetics, biochemistry, plant breeding, organic chemistry, and/or natural products is required.
• Confidence and ability to work through and resolve challenging issues in a timely and professional manner, with internal and external stakeholders, to achieve successful outcomes.
• Experience in successfully managing multiple projects and deadlines within a complex organization, with strict attention to detail, prioritization, and efficiency.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and technical writing skills.
• Proven ability to build solid relationships, earn the confidence of internal stakeholders, and demonstrate the ability to get results in a timely manner with attention to timelines and deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills; project management skills preferred.
• Must be reliable, self-motivated, persistent, and able to work effectively both alone and collaboratively in small and large teams.
• Membership and/or credentialed in a national or international professional society focused on licensing and technology transfer topics is preferred.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

• Numerous development opportunities to build your skills.
• Health benefits for you and your family starting on your first day of employment.
• Four weeks of paid time off and two weeks of well-being pay per year, plus paid holidays.
• Excellent parental leave, including a minimum of 16 weeks for mother and father.
• Competitive retirement savings plan and tuition reimbursement program.

Corteva announced plans to separate its current advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, Vylor, Inc. The separation is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that, following the separation, you would be an employee of Vylor, Inc., governed by its employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans.