Technology Licensing Officer

Auburn University's Office of the Sr. Vice President for Research and Economic Development is actively recruiting applications for the position of Technology Licensing Officer. This position will primarily be responsible for managing the commercialization of University's life sciences intellectual property portfolio with the opportunity to help manage select cases in the physical sciences portfolio as well. The Technology Licensing Officer will focus on research, assessment, and marketing of University IP, negotiating the terms of technology commercialization deals, monitoring licensee performance and obligations, and engagement with faculty and students to support technology transfer and entrepreneurial activities on campus and commercialization of their inventions.

Auburn University is more than just an institution; it's a vibrant community where real people come together to make a difference. Our commitment to students, employees, communities, and our world runs deep, and it's reflected in every corner of our campus and beyond.

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Identifies and assesses new technology commercialization opportunities arising from Auburn to include, evaluating the commercial potential by identifying new uses, market segments, market size, and competing technologies using personal knowledge of emerging technology, information from experts, and on-line databases.

Synthesizes relevant information, performs and initiates technical background and commercial market research. Makes recommendations on marketing and licensing strategies for technologies in the AU portfolio. Prepares non-confidential descriptions of technologies, and markets technologies to identify potential licensing opportunities and alternative applications.

Assists with the development of intellectual property protection strategies including patenting when appropriate. Manages on- going patent prosecution with outside patent counsel to assure the patent strategy is followed; expenses are controlled; and patent, copyright, trademark, and other IP rights are appropriately protected. Interfaces with inventors as patent claims are prosecuted. Analyzes the impact of proposed and allowed patent claims on the commercialization opportunity.

Manages and maintains on-going relationships with licensees, monitors the diligence of licensee towards commercializing the licensed technology, negotiates license amendments as needed, and addresses matters of contract compliance to ensure compliance with IPX and AU procedures and policies.

Develops positive relationships with inventors with the intention of identifying attractive AU technologies for licensing to start-up or established companies. Engages with companies to determine their needs and identifies applicable AU technologies for licensing and/or potential AU researchers to perform industry- sponsored research.

Offers guidance to research faculty on important research and technology innovation needs sought by industry and government entities as well as trends in specific fields of research. Provides feedback and suggestions to principal investigators on their extramural proposals with the goal of increasing such proposals' competitiveness especially with regards to creating innovative scientific and technical solutions.

Educates stakeholders about the commercialization of research process. Advises University inventors and potential industry licensees regarding University intellectual property policies and related technology commercialization issues.

Relevant knowledge of sciences or experience working with scientists across various disciplines(preference to physical sciences, life sciences, agriculture sciences, high-tech, engineering or advanced materials); research techniques.

Basic knowledge of marketing, commercialization strategies and deal structuring; technical analysis; technical writing; and basic intellectual property (IP) protection procedures.

Knowledge and experience in drafting and negotiating minor business contracts including technology option and license agreements.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.