Technology Commercialization Associate

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory•Berkeley, CA

1h•$105,000 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Technology Commercialization Associate within the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). This position will support the commercialization of Lab-developed technologies in the energy or computer science research areas by helping to move innovations from the Lab into real-world applications. Using professional concepts, industry practices and Lab policies, the TCA will resolve a variety of issues and support the development of IP strategies. This position will work closely with Berkeley Lab researchers and scientists to identify unique commercially promising technologies, assist in developing intellectual property (IP) strategies, support the full technology transfer lifecycle – from invention disclosure through licensing, including supporting entrepreneurial opportunities, advising on industry collaboration, helping to implement AI into workflows as appropriate. In addition, the person in this role will interact with a broad range of executives and professionals, including researchers, Lab leadership, patent attorneys, contracting professionals, marketing professionals, and other business development professionals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an energy-related discipline, computer science, engineering, or a closely related field.
At least 1-3 years of related experience in technology transfer, business development, research commercialization, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to quickly understand technologies, relevant industries and markets, and potential applications.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively network and interact with researchers, patent attorneys, contracting professionals, and business development professionals in many contexts: Visual, verbal, and written communications; Conferences, group meetings, 1-on-1s; Berkeley Lab, University of California, Department of Energy, Industry; and Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical individuals.
Ability to develop strategies and goals, organize work toward those strategies and goals, and solve problems that might be encountered in executing work.
Computer literacy, including web-based research and use of AI tools and relational databases (preferably common IP databases) and office productivity software (preferably Google Suite).

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in related discipline and a minimum of 1-3 years of experience in business development (MBA is a plus).
5 years of related experience in technology transfer, business development, research commercialization, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in drafting and negotiating term sheets for patent or software licenses.
Experience with or demonstrated capability to learn IP subject matter, including IP law, IP transactions, and IP portfolio management.
Experience with University of California and Department of Energy policies regarding IP and technology transfer related matters.
Project management experience.
Experience with implementing AI.
Startup or entrepreneurship experience.
Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.
Demonstrated foundational knowledge of IP concepts.

Responsibilities

Manage the IP portfolio of energy or computer science related research by evaluating and prioritizing new and existing technologies, and developing and implementing appropriate IP strategies.
Review and assess invention and software disclosures to identify key technical features, potential applications, and commercial relevance by conducting market and competitive landscape analysis to evaluate technology-market fit, market dynamics, patentability, and licensing potential.
Prioritize technologies according to academic, commercial, societal, and/or programmatic potential.
Develop appropriate IP and marketing strategies to maximize impact while considering costs and resources required for commercialization.
Assist in the implementation of IP strategies for assigned cases in collaboration with patent attorneys.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of IP portfolio status, market outreach leads, and deal pipeline using relevant databases and tracking systems.
Manage internal outreach and researcher engagement.
Build and maintain relationships with laboratory scientists and research staff to encourage timely and complete invention and software disclosures.
Educate researchers on technology transfer processes, IP fundamentals, and available commercialization resources.
Present technology transfer successes at annual scientific area or division meetings.
Serve as a reliable point of contact for researchers seeking guidance on IP-related matters.
Manage the licensing life cycle to commercialize the IP portfolio of energy or computer sciences--related research.
Collaborate with marketing professionals to execute multi-channel marketing strategies, including identifying and contacting potential licensees through direct outreach, networking at conferences with governments, businesses and investors.
Develop and maintain industry contacts.
Support the negotiation and execution of licensing agreements, including the development of commercialization plans and drafting of business terms, including license scopes and financial terms, under the supervision of senior staff.
Support entrepreneurial engagement programs through participating or assisting with training and startup accelerator programs.
Support ongoing license compliance by maintaining relationships with licensees, monitoring their progress, understanding any market factors affecting commercialization progress, and working with compliance professionals.