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Innovation Manager

UW1861 University of Washington
Seattle, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/19/2026
Job Description CoMotion has an outstanding opportunity for an Innovation Manager to join their team. About this Opportunity Reporting to the Director of Licensing, Life Sciences, the Innovation Manager applies technical expertise and business judgement to advance researchers in their journey to launch ideas into the marketplace, guiding innovators to needed resources, advising on customer discovery activities and start-up formation, making intellectual property protection decisions, and negotiating agreements including intellectual property licenses both to existing companies, and to UW spin-outs. Innovation Managers also contribute to CoMotion's outreach activities, including presenting to faculty, students, and research groups, and engaging with external parties to assist in promoting understanding of university innovation transfer processes. This role requires a strong technical background across biology, biochemistry, microbiology and chemistry to manage a life science portfolio, a deep understanding of commercialization pathways, and the ability to build productive professional relationships and mentor researchers. Key Responsibilities: Working proactively with entrepreneurs, investors, and investigators to catalyze promising commercialization projects – 40% Negotiating and Drafting licenses for UW intellectual property – 25% Encouraging and evaluating new projects and innovation disclosures –20% Marketing and Project Development for UW innovations – 10% Representing CoMotion in university and broader communities -5% Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in Life Science, Bioengineering, Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or related field and some experience or coursework in business, marketing or law, or a combination of education and experience. Two years’ experience in scientific research, university technology transfer, corporate R&D, product or business development. Equivalent education and professional experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. Additional Qualifications: Strong verbal and written communications skills, with the ability to convey technical and commercial concepts to diverse audiences; Strong project management abilities and ability to develop commercialization strategies and coordinate resources to drive projects forward; Ability to evaluate, position, and develop promising technologies; Good business sense; Ability to interact effectively in both the academic and corporate cultures; Ability to absorb technical details of new technologies; Effective at setting priorities and obtaining closure; Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with other colleagues; Ability to generate strategic options and translate them into actionable plans. Desired: Ph.D. in Life Science discipline Commercialization experience in an academic or corporate environment focused on technology licensing. Working Conditions: CoMotion is an in-person first workplace. CoMotion has an open floor plan without permanently assigned desks, and candidates should be comfortable working in an onsite, open-plan environment. Must live within commuting distance of UW Seattle Campus. May be eligible for a hybrid work schedule under defined conditions. CoMotion also hosts events and meetings for which in-person attendance is required. About the Team CoMotion partners with the UW community on their innovation journey, providing tools, connections, and acumen to transform ideas into economic and societal impact. Through an integrated set of services spanning innovation training, intellectual property advising and protection, funding and mentorship, licensing, startups, and incubation, CoMotion seeks to: elevate the global impact and visibility of the UW through research translation; enhance diversity and inclusion in the UW innovation ecosystem; identify and pursue new opportunities to lower barriers to entrepreneurship and increase spinoff success; create, develop, and nurture internal and external partnerships that are mutually beneficial and harness synergies to bolster our local and regional innovation ecosystem; and meet the evolving needs of the innovation ecosystem through continuous, data-driven improvements and programmatic innovation. The CoMotion Innovation Development group provides services including intellectual property strategy and management, project development guidance, portfolio management, and license, confidentiality, and material transfer agreements. Compensation, Benefits and Position Details Pay Range Minimum: $98,004.00 annual Pay Range Maximum: $108,000.00 annual Other Compensation: - Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/ Shift: First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable About the UW Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. Our Commitment The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. Use the filters or enter keywords in the search box (such as “custodian,” “nursing” or “manager”) to explore available opportunities. To find temporary opportunities, enter “temporary” in the search box. If you are a current UW employee: You must log into Workday and apply internally through the UW Jobs Hub. Looking for faculty, librarian or academic staff positions? Please visit our Academic Jobs site. Looking for student employment? Learn more on our Student Employment site. There are many perks to working for the University of Washington. Learn more about the benefits that could be available to you as a UW employee. Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified about job opportunities at the UW that interest you; you’ll be one of the first to learn when openings become available. You will be asked to create an account if you do not already have one.

Salary : $98,004

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