Senior Licensing Officer

About the role

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) facilitates and oversees technology transfer to government and industry, fosters collaborative research with the private sector, and manages the Laboratory’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio. In order to support the creation of increased transfer opportunities in complex federal and private-sector landscapes, the Laboratory is seeking a Senior Technology Licensing Officer.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential licensees in spinout/startup companies, small businesses, large industry leaders, and the defense industrial base
• Assess value proposition of IP assets (both patent and non-patent) in the context of industry trends and partner business goals
• Negotiate license and other agreements to simultaneously achieve goals of licensee, government sponsors, and MIT
• Carefully understand technology sensitivities as it relates to national security classification and export control and respond accordingly in license negotiation / execution
• Work collaboratively with the TTO IP management team to understand available assets and provide feedback on patent prosecution/IP protection strategy based on licensee needs and progress
• Work with collaborative research contracting team to ensure strategic alignment of sponsored research agreements and parallel / future licensing transactions
• Work collaboratively with the marketing / business development functions to maximize effectiveness of outreach
• Work collaboratively with, and develop and maintain productive relationships with MIT Technology Licensing Office staff to ensure effective information exchange, co-management strategies of overlapping cases, and best practices for technology transfer and commercialization as governed by MIT’s IP Policy
• Manage an extensive portfolio of cases, strategizing a variety of licensing approaches (express licensing, exclusive/non-exclusive licensing, open-source, etc.) for commercialization in alignment with government sponsor and national security goals
• Ensure MIT via Lincoln Lab has the appropriate rights needed to license each case and is compliant with all Govt Regulations

Requirements

• Minimum of a B.S. in Engineering, with preference given to candidates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Optical Engineering
• An advanced technical degree is preferred, although not required
• 8 years of direct experience in the engineering and/or physical sciences industries, including at least 5 years in a position involving activities such as technology licensing, product management and/or business development, and contract negotiation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders, including research staff, administrative staff, legal professionals, and industry representatives
• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, a collaborative approach to developing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Prior experience in government technology transfer is strongly preferred
• U.S. citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
MIT-funded pension
Matching 401K
Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
Mentorship programs
A range of work-life balance options...

...and much more!