Licensing Associate - KUCTC

Department:

KUCTC Operations

KU Center for Technology Commercialization

Position Title:

Licensing Associate - KUCTC

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

The Licensing Associate will work under the direction of the Director of Licensing for the KU Center for Technology Commercialization (KUCTC) which serves all KU campuses, including the KU Medical Center in Kansas City. The mission of the KUCTC is to manage discoveries and innovations made from research so that they may have greater impact, benefit the public, and promote economic development. Licensing Associates are generally responsible for sourcing, reviewing, and manage invention disclosures; maintaining relationships with faculty, assisting in protecting and marketing innovations; and negotiating contracts relating to commercialization efforts.

Job Description:

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Innovation Management:

• Establish and maintain relationships with researchers, educate KU faculty about intellectual property and technology transfer.
• Review, research and assess new discoveries and innovations for potential commercial value, patentability, marketability, and technical understanding.
• Advise researchers and make decisions on patent prosecution and copyright protection; assist in development of IP protection strategies and management of KU’s IP portfolio.
• Manage portfolio of IP assets and corresponding relationships with researchers; provide feedback and assist researchers in navigating the patent process; help researchers seek additional funding and resources to further develop of KU innovations and discoveries.
  
  

Business Development:

• Prepare non-confidential summaries for marketing.
• Identify and engage companies and individuals in commercialization discussions.
• Coordinate with KUCTC marketing staff to post marketing or promotional materials on the website and through other communication channels outlets.
• Assist KUCTC marketing staff in contacting and distribute marketing materials to targeted companies and individuals
• Represent KU at local, regional, and national partnering and business development events
  
  

License Technologies To Startups And Existing Companies:

• Develop terms and conditions for research collaboration and licensing opportunities.
• Negotiate licenses and other contracts with existing companies, startups, and other partners.
  
  

Operations & Compliance:

• Data entry and use of technology transfer data management system.
• Coordinate and assist other KUCTC staff with technology transfer tasks
• Familiarity with Bayh-Dole Act and assists in ensuring compliance and reporting through US Government's iEdison system.
  
  

Other:

• Participates in professional development and training opportunities.
• Complex problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and implement solutions.
  
  

SENIOR LICENSING ASSOCIATE ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Mentor and advise junior members of the Licensing Team
• Represents KUCTC in seminars and other educational events at KU
• Manage KUCTC internship program
  
  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• To be considered for the senior role the requirements are listed in Education and Work Experience*
  
  

Required Qualifications

LICENSING ASSOCIATE:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, physical science, engineering or related field or Law degree with experience in patent law.

Work Experience:

• 1 year of IP evaluation, technology development, and/or technology commercialization experience.
  
  

SENIOR LICENSING ASSOCIATE:

Education: Master’s degree in life sciences, physical science, engineering, or related field

Work Experience:

• 3 years of academic technology transfer, business development, commercialization experience.
  
  

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

LICENSING ASSOCIATE:

Education: Doctoral degree, PhD highly preferred or JD Law degree with experience in patent law.

Work Experience:

• Experience in market research, technical analysis, technical writing, business development, and licensing.
• 6 years of academic technology transfer, business development, commercialization experience.
  
  

SENIOR LICENSING ASSOCIATE:

Work Experience:

• Experience in market research, technical analysis, technical writing, business development, and licensing.
• Experience working in or with startup companies
  
  

Skills:

• Communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Complex problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and implement solutions.
  
  

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
  
  

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

Employee Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Rate Type:

Salary

Compensation Statement:

The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above.

Pay Range:

$75,000.00 - $115,000.00

Minimum

$75,000.00

Midpoint

$95,000.00

Maximum

$115,000.00