How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Summary
The University of Michigan is seeking a full time Assistant or Associate Director of Licensing to join our growing office and manage a portfolio of innovations. Applicants with demonstrated interest and experience in any scientific discipline - including, for example, engineering, therapeutics, or AI for applications such as drug discovery - will be considered. This position requires extensive interaction with faculty, students, staff, attorneys, potential licensees, early-stage investors and will report to the Director of Licensing for the relevant group. As part of the role you will:
- Encourage and evaluate innovation disclosures for potential for commercialization and positive societal impact
- Counsel UM researchers on identifying value propositions and appropriate technology development strategies
- Create marketing and licensing strategies that maximize technology commercialization and societal impact potential
- Market innovations to potential licensees
- Oversee the implementation of appropriate intellectual property strategy; and, where applicable, oversee the filing and management of patent applications
- Negotiate, draft, and implement license, option, non-disclosure, and other partnership agreements
- Collaborate with Ventures staff to facilitate new start-up companies; negotiate licenses with new start-ups
- Work with other members of the UM Innovation Partnerships team to further the goals and objectives of research commercialization at the University
- Interface with other entrepreneurship programs on campus and in the community
The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan which is consistently rated one of the top places to live in the country. For more information, visit: https://www.visitannarbor.org. You will work as part of a team of licensing professionals with extensive industry and professional experiences, who enjoy collaborating and learning from one another.
Who We Are
The University of Michigan is one of the world's most powerful engines for scholarly research, service, and impact. Sustaining and supporting the University's robust research enterprise are vital for maximizing innovation and economic growth. As a service and resource for researchers interested in commercialization of technologies and research discoveries, Innovation Partnerships is a unit of the Office of Research that plays a central role in helping to ensure that society realizes the benefits of the research conducted at the University of Michigan.
Innovation Partnerships enhances research discoveries to encourage licensing and broad deployment with existing businesses and newly-formed U-M startups. Innovation Partnerships has earned a reputation for performance among the top 10 of all universities through providing responsive, professional service to our inventors, industry partners and ecosystem collaborators.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline; at least one year experience in academic research commercialization, a startup, venture fund, or relevant industry setting; excellent interpersonal skills; written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures; ability to interact with scientists, research sponsors, industry representatives, early-stage investors, and attorneys; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment; ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines; interest or experience in negotiations, contracts, and new technology commercialization; highly self-motivated professional with exceptional sales, marketing and negotiating skills; experience or interest in evaluating the commercial potential of early stage technology, and to effectively communicate the commercialization vision; detail oriented with ability to work on multiple projects at the same time; knowledge of or capability to quickly learn intellectual property law and licensing practices; high degree of energy and enthusiasm, and desire to function as an integral part of a joyous workplace.
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree, MBA, J.D., or other graduate degree desired; at least two years experience in successfully commercializing technology in an academic technology transfer office or in industry; experience with bringing to market particular types of scientific innovations; interpersonal skills; written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures; ability to interact with scientists, research sponsors, industry representatives, early-stage investors, and attorneys; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment; ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines; business experience in negotiations, contracts, and new technology commercialization; highly self-motivated professional with exceptional sales, marketing and negotiating skills; experience in evaluating the commercial potential of early stage technology, and to effectively communicate the commercialization vision; detail oriented with ability to work on multiple projects at the same time; knowledge of intellectual property law and licensing practices; high degree of energy and enthusiasm, and desire to function as an integral part of a joyous workplace.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification, Assistant Director of Licensing, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.