Technology Development Associate (Vice President For Research - Galveston)

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)•Galveston, TX

About The Position

The Technology Development Associate supports the advancement of UTMB's Intellectual Property from intake to assessment and securing intellectual property rights protection, marketing, and licensing activities. The Technology Development Associate will collaborate closely with faculty at UTMB to promote active engagement and facilitate the successful commercialization of their technologies. Working under the guidance of the Vice President and Executive Director, the Technology Development Associate is responsible for identifying new opportunities, evaluating the commercial potential of emerging technologies and discoveries, and providing strategic guidance. The Associate should have a strong grasp of technology development processes and IP strategy, with the ability to effectively manage a portfolio of disclosures through patenting, market analysis, and license agreement negotiations.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a scientific discipline and one year of relevant experience.
Strong interpersonal, oral, written and presentation skills.
Demonstrated customer relationship skills, and the ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external business partners.
Strong ability to independently exercise sound judgment and decision making, problem solving and critical analysis.
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 the ability to learn applicable business related systems.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D. degree in science and/or an MBA
1-2 years of experience in an academic technology transfer office with experience in Intellectual property management, commercialization and technology transfer

Responsibilities

Work with campus inventors to encourage and facilitate the submission of New Technology Invention Disclosures.
support the management of a portfolio of technology disclosures in coordination with the legal team.
Conduct due diligence and prior art searches with the legal team to evaluate invention disclosures. .
Identify and evaluate the commercial potential of the technologies and discoveries.
Provide guidance to faculty on Intellectual Property, patentability and market positioning.
Prepare non-confidential summaries and marketing materials to support promotion of new technologies.
Assist in the negotiation of licensing agreements in coordination with Director and Legal counsel.
Conduct market research to identify target markets and potential licensing partners.
Support startup development activities arising from the technologies in coordination with the Vice President and Executive Director.
Advise and educate UTMB creators regarding intellectual property law, funding agency regulations, and UTMB policies as they apply to ownership, revenue sharing, and management of conflicts of interest.
Prepare slide decks and related materials to present inventions and creative works to potential company commercialization partners.
Provide advice on technology commercialization and build positive relationships with key faculty, industry stakeholders, and new inventors to provide feedback to researchers to advance technologies toward commercial endpoints meaningfully.
Engage in outreach activities of the Innovation team by helping to organize and attend seminars and events on campus.
Represent UTMB at conferences and networking events to promote innovation.
Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
Performs related duties as required.