Senior Licensing Associate

The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is seeking a qualified Senior Licensing Associate. The Senior Licensing Associate is responsible for managing a portfolio of intellectual property cases and will be primarily responsible for working with faculty in the physical sciences (i.e. materials, chemicals, electrical, energy, software, copyrights).

Job duties will include, but not be limited to:

·     Develops and oversees licensing opportunities for University intellectual property, including patents, copyrights and other intellectual property.

·     Manages a portfolio of intellectual property cases, including evaluating inventions for marketability and patentability; developing and executing commercialization strategies for inventions; and actively marketing discoveries to industry partners.

·     Researches, analyzes, identifies, and qualifies potential new University licensing opportunities. Negotiates license, option, and other industry-sponsored commercial agreements. Ensures agreement compliance. 

·     Conducts portfolio reviews. Reviews and monitors legal costs associated with licensing relating to portfolio management. 

·     Maintains accurate files/records and databases for licensing agreements. Prepares reports as needed.

·      Management of Patent Prosecution in connection with outside counsel, and responsibility for making Patent Maintenance decisions in coordination with inventors, licensees, and other groups within the organization.

 This position requires:

·      Ability to work closely with University inventors, educating on intellectual property matters and development of inventive concepts and invention disclosures prior to the preparation and filing of a patent application.

·     Ability to function in a fast-paced team-based environment, working across various teams within the organization, including new ventures, industry & economic partnerships, IP, government compliance, etc.

·   Knowledge about patent requirements as well as patent prosecution.

·  Knowledge about intellectual property licensing practices with a focus primarily on patents; some familiarity with copyright licensing will also be beneficial for this role. 

·  Must have demonstrable experience and the ability to formulate and to close corporate deals and exhibit entrepreneurial skills. The ability to work on multiple, complex transactions is essential to success in this position.

An advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant physical science field is highly preferred; an MBA  is helpful.

Three to five years of technology transfer experience, or of relevant experience, preferred. Some aspect of the intellectual property licensing process from a business perspective is also preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with academic technology transfer experience.

The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship inspires, educates, and enables others to make an impact on society, improve the regional economy and transform their own careers. The office is composed of four units: The Innovation Institute, the Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships, the Big Idea Center for student innovation, and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. For more information, please visit the website at: innovation.pitt.edu.  

Develops and oversees licensing opportunities for intellectual properties and manages a portfolio of cases. Determines and negotiates potential University licensing opportunities and executes commercialization strategies for inventions. Initiates communications with and qualifies potential licensees, conducts patent portfolio reviews, leads certain budgetary functions, writes agreements, and ensures the University's patent rights are secured.

Position is administrative in nature and requires duties that are performed in an office environment. Requires strong computer skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Position is mostly sedentary but may be required to travel to various on and off campus meetings.