Senior Licensing Officer

MIT Lincoln Laboratory•Lexington, MA

11d

About The Position

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Department of Defense Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) engaged in the development and demonstration of advanced prototype technologies and systems, with an overall objective to transfer those capabilities to Government, the defense industrial base, and the commercial sector. These transfers include hardware, software, material, technical data, and subject-matter expertise, and provide an extensive and resilient set of national security capabilities while concurrently contributing to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the United States. The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) facilitates and oversees technology transfer to government and industry, fosters collaborative research with the private sector, and manages the Laboratory’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, in close collaboration with the MIT Technology Licensing Office which has ultimate responsibility for the management and integrity for MIT’s IP, of which Lincoln Lab IP is part. In order to support the creation of increased transfer opportunities in complex federal and private-sector landscapes, the Laboratory is seeking a Senior Technology Licensing Officer. This position will have the unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with world-class researchers, industry leaders, and legal experts to bring MITLL’s inventions to the global marketplace. The role will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, allowing you to leverage expertise in engineering / physical sciences while making a significant impact on the commercialization of intellectual property (IP). Job Summary The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) facilitates and oversees technology transfer to government and industry, fosters collaborative research with the private sector, and manages the Laboratory’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio. In order to support the creation of increased transfer opportunities in complex federal and private-sector landscapes, the Laboratory is seeking a Senior Technology Licensing Officer. This position will have the unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with world-class researchers, industry leaders, and legal experts to bring MITLL’s inventions to the global marketplace. The role will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, allowing you to leverage expertise in engineering / physical sciences while making a significant impact on the commercialization of intellectual property (IP).

Requirements

Minimum of a B.S. in Engineering, with preference given to candidates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Optical Engineering
8 years of direct experience in the engineering and/or physical sciences industries, including at least 5 years in a position involving activities such as technology licensing, product management and/or business development, and contract negotiation
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; effectively address complex business, legal, interpersonal, and inter-organizational issues; work independently; and exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders, including research staff, administrative staff legal professionals, and industry representatives
Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, a collaborative approach to developing and maintaining effective working relationships
U.S. citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Nice To Haves

An advanced technical degree is preferred, although not required
Prior experience in government technology transfer is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Identify potential licensees in spinout/startup companies, small businesses, large industry leaders, and the defense industrial base
Assess value proposition of IP assets (both patent and non-patent) in the context of industry trends and partner business goals
Negotiate license and other agreements to simultaneously achieve goals of licensee, government sponsors, and MIT
Carefully understand technology sensitivities as it relates to national security classification and export control and respond accordingly in license negotiation / execution
Work collaboratively with the TTO IP management team to understand available assets and provide feedback on patent prosecution/IP protection strategy based on licensee needs and progress
Work with collaborative research contracting team to ensure strategic alignment of sponsored research agreements and parallel / future licensing transactions
Work collaboratively with the marketing / business development functions to maximize effectiveness of outreach
Work collaboratively with, and develop and maintain productive relationships with MIT Technology Licensing Office staff to ensure effective information exchange, co-management strategies of overlapping cases, and best practices for technology transfer and commercialization as governed by MIT’s IP Policy.
Manage an extensive portfolio of cases, strategizing a variety of licensing approaches (express licensing, exclusive/non-exclusive licensing, open-source, etc.) for commercialization in alignment with government sponsor and national security goals
Work to ensure MIT via Lincoln Lab has the appropriate rights needed to license each case and is compliant with all Govt Regulations.