Intellectual Property & Commercialization Associate
About The Position
The UWM Research Foundation (UWMRF) is seeking a curious, highly organized, and people-oriented professional to support the evaluation and commercialization of innovative technologies arising from UW–Milwaukee research. This role sits at the intersection of science, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and relationship management. You will work directly with researchers, inventors, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to help advance early-stage discoveries into real-world impact. You will have visibility into the full commercialization process and play a role in everything from invention evaluation to patent support to licensing and startup development.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field OR non-science degree with relevant commercialization, innovation, startup, IP, or research administration experience
- Approximately 2–5 years of relevant professional experience preferred
- Strong communication and relationship-management skills
- Ability to balance competing priorities without losing attention to detail
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree or PhD strongly valued
- Experience or exposure to patents, intellectual property, licensing, startups, research commercialization, or technology transfer
Responsibilities
- Conduct prior art searches and market research to assess novelty, patentability, and commercial potential
- Work directly with inventors to understand technologies and identify commercialization pathways
- Assist in managing UWMRF’s patent portfolio and coordinate with outside counsel
- Support patent drafting and prosecution activities
- Prepare and organize IP-related documents and filings
- Support marketing and outreach efforts for university technologies
- Research companies, industries, and potential licensing partners
- Assist with startup and commercialization initiatives
- Coordinate meetings, reports, correspondence, and project tracking
- Utilize Inteum and related systems to document commercialization activities
- Help keep multiple innovation projects moving forward simultaneously
Benefits
- 403(b) with 7.5% employer contribution
- Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Parental Leave
- Free heated-garage parking
- Modern workspace with sit/stand desks and Herman Miller chairs
- Casual Fridays and a relaxed, friendly team culture
- Monthly fresh organic fruit in the office
- Annual holiday party + summer picnic
- Optional Aflac insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
