Senior Licensing Associate

University of Central Florida•Orlando, FL

About The Position

As part of UCF's Technology Transfer Office, the Senior Licensing Associate manages the transfer of physical science technologies from the university into commercial sectors. The role manages technology review, intellectual property (IP) legal protection, IP license negotiations, and IP promotion through media and scientific and technology-related events. The position manages protection and licensing of part of the UCF Research Foundation IP portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights in the physical sciences. It evaluates new technology disclosures, identifies commercial applications, recommends appropriate legal protection, and ensures adherence to IP laws and regulations. The role also negotiates agreements, supports sponsored research IP matters, promotes technologies to prospective partners, and builds relationships that advance licensing and sponsored research activity. It supervises and trains intellectual property specialists, licensing assistants, students, and/or interns, and educates internal and external communities on technology transfer matters. This is a regular appointment with a Monday–Friday schedule of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., which may vary as required. UCF expects employees to reside in Florida when employment begins unless the posting explicitly states otherwise. Visa sponsorship and H-1B transfers are not available. The anticipated salary range is $80,000–$95,000; the posting also lists an expected salary of $75,809 to negotiable, with final salary determined based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree and at least 4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).
Authorization to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship and H-1B transfers are unavailable.
Ability to work the Monday–Friday schedule of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with schedule variation as required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Civil, Electrical) or a related physical science field.
At least 3 years of demonstrated success drafting, negotiating, and implementing legal agreements.
Strong customer service orientation and experience collaborating with faculty, legal teams, and external partners.
Business development and finance acumen.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
Ability to evaluate market potential and communicate effectively with different stakeholders.
Familiarity with patent assessment and market research methodologies.
Prior experience in technology transfer and outbound software licensing.

Responsibilities

Manage protection and licensing of a portion of the UCF Research Foundation IP portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights in physical sciences.
Draft and negotiate license agreements and other agreements, including material transfer, inter-institutional, and nondisclosure agreements.
Assess and evaluate new technologies disclosed to Technology Transfer.
Identify commercial uses, recommend appropriate legal protection, and ensure adherence to IP laws and regulations.
Review and edit promotional materials advertising new technologies to prospective industry partners.
Lead outreach to commercialize technologies and promote them at scientific conferences and to business communities.
Review, edit, and negotiate IP terms and conditions for UCF sponsored research activities.
Coordinate IP matters among contract managers, general counsel, principal investigators, and external sponsors or external counsel.
Attract and cultivate relationships with university researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to drive licensing deal flow and potential sponsored research activity.
Supervise, train, and instruct one or more intellectual property specialists, licensing assistants, students, and/or interns.
Conduct workshops and deliver presentations to educate internal and external communities on Technology Transfer matters, best practices, and IP policies.
Attend professional trade conferences.
Perform other duties as assigned.