Licensing Manager, Physical Sciences

Stanford University•Redwood City, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Dean of Research / Office of Technology Licensing: The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) was established in 1970 to manage the intellectual property assets of Stanford University. OTL evaluates, markets, and licenses technology owned by the University. OTL's mission is to encourage effective technology transfer for the public benefit as well as generating royalty income for Stanford to benefit research and education. OTL is one of the country's most active offices in the field of technology transfer from the university to industry. Our staff, most of whom are professionals engaged directly in licensing, manages over 3,000 active dockets. POSITION SUMMARY: The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) is seeking a Licensing Manager, Physical Sciences, to collaborate with inventors on evaluating and developing technology licensing opportunities and strategies, and negotiating the terms and conditions of agreements with limited supervision. This role also involves overseeing and administering patent-related activities. Candidates should have a deep understanding of early-stage technology evaluation, marketing needs, and IP strategy. They must also be adept at developing and maintaining productive relationships with faculty inventors and industry representatives to build a pipeline of business development opportunities. Ideally, candidates will have experience in early-stage physical sciences, materials and mechanical technologies, and AI, with secondary expertise in adjacent fields such as software and medical devices within the Stanford ecosystem. The role involves a variety of responsibilities aimed at advancing the commercialization of technology and fostering positive relationships within the Stanford community and with industry stakeholders. Key duties include providing expert advice on technology commercialization, including feedback to researchers, thereby advancing technologies toward commercial endpoints. Building and maintaining relationships with key faculty and industry stakeholders is crucial. The position also requires active engagement in outreach activities by organizing and attending seminars and events on campus, and educating stakeholders about the commercialization process. Additionally, the role encompasses post-disclosure licensing responsibilities such as identifying and qualifying licensees, assisting with marketing strategies and plans, drafting business terms for license agreements, negotiating and executing license agreements, and managing a technology portfolio that includes highly complex technologies and issues. Acting as an ambassador for Stanford and OTL, the individual will serve as the primary contact for certain schools and faculty members. They will develop strategies for protecting intellectual property, pursuing patents as necessary, and overseeing the patent prosecution process in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Management (IPM) team and external patent attorneys. Evaluating the effect of proposed and approved patent claims on commercialization opportunities will also be part of this role. Maintaining up-to-date knowledge in emerging technologies and best practices in licensing agreements is essential. The ability to manage intricate situations involving multiple and sometimes competing stakeholders is also critical for this role. This is a 100% FTE, benefits-eligible hybrid position with the expectation of being in the office at least twice a week and more as needed. For consideration, please submit your resume. All final candidates must complete a background check.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Strong interpersonal, oral, written and presentation skills.
Demonstrated customer relationship skills, and the ability to influence and negotiate with internal constituencies and external business partners.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership and leadership of projects from inception to completion, including developing strategy, implementation and execution of tasks.
Demonstrated ability to independently exercise sound judgment and decision making, problem solving and critical analysis.
Demonstrated knowledge of contract and patent laws, University policies, industry and regulatory requirements.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn applicable business-related systems.

Nice To Haves

Strong working knowledge of intellectual property law and industry-standard licenses, including royalty rates and license structures.
CLP credential is optional.
Experience in tech transfer (government, industry, or academia) preferred.
Ideally, candidates will have experience in early-stage physical sciences, materials and mechanical technologies, and AI, with secondary expertise in adjacent fields such as software and medical devices within the Stanford ecosystem.

Responsibilities

With limited supervision, evaluate and analyze new invention disclosures, including initial review, meeting with inventor(s), identifying industry reviewers, making contact, and sending materials. Follow-up, collect and evaluate information, and provide necessary notifications.
Develop licensing strategy, identifying potential licensees, negotiating terms, preparing draft agreements, and closing the deal.
Oversee patent-related activities including selection of attorney, determination of when and where to file patent applications, and management of an inventory of unlicensed cases from a financial perspective.
Monitor license agreements, ensure compliance with diligence terms, prepare and execute amendments, and process terminations.
Maintain and develop relations with licensees; monitor progress in licensed product(s) development.
Other duties may also be assigned.

Benefits

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

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