The Office of Technology Management (OTM) at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) assists WashU faculty in the transfer of technology from the lab to the global marketplace to create a pipeline of opportunities to benefit society.
Located in St. Louis, Missouri’s Cortex Innovation District, OTM manages a wide variety of intellectual properties arising from research programs, and acts as a resource for faculty in the areas of patent prosecution, material transfer agreements, market feedback and licensing.
Senior Licensing Associate, Physical Science Opportunity:
The Office of Technology Management (OTM) at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is hiring a physical science position as a Senior Licensing Associate. The role is responsible for managing a portion of the University’s intellectual property portfolio with the mission of transferring it to commercial companies for the benefit of society. The Sr. LA is responsible for handling highly complex license agreements, a large portfolio of IP for the most active faculty, and training and mentoring licensing associates and trainees. The Sr. LA is expected to direct high-profile initiatives for the benefit of the OTM and contribute toward outreach to potential and existing inventors.
WashU prefers an on-campus presence but will consider a hybrid working environment consisting of two days in the office/on-site, three days remote, as well as one monthly in-person all-staff day for professional development. The position could have some flexibility on location of work-from-home days, but the cost of travel is the candidate’s responsibility.
The Office of Technology Management (OTM) at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) may be willing to obtain a work visa for a highly qualified candidate(s).
Senior Licensing Associate, Physical Science
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Work with licensing associates in assigning tasks to invention disclosure assessment and reassessments and working with LAs on marketing activities, as well as providing training, mentoring and evaluation of Technology Transfer Trainees.
- Work with legal counsel to protect intellectual property either through patenting or other proper tactics for assigned portfolio.
- Work directly with OTM patent coordinator and internal legal counsel (OGC and patent management and prosecution group) on patent costs and filing tactics with outside patent law firms.
- Assist with the marketing function to market top tier technologies.
- Negotiate key terms and execute complex license agreements with established companies and start-ups.
- Manage a large and complex portfolio of existing licenses with respect to technology development, milestones, and non-financial terms of the licensees.
- Direct high- and mid-profile initiatives as identified by OTM and outreach to faculty and other inventors. Communicate with and educate investigators, researchers, and students, along with departments and schools to better understand the potential for inventions from the research done at WashU.
- The candidate will have responsibility for mentoring OTM Business Development Associates, Licensing Associates and Licensing Trainees.
The Successful Senior Licensing Associate, Physical Science Candidate
Minimum Requirements:
- Education: degree in a physical science or engineering field, advanced degree required. MS or PhD (preferred),
- 2.5-3 years working experience in a university technology transfer office or in commercial development within the private sector.
- Experience in closing complex business transactions and licenses with large established companies and start-ups.
- Business experience in private industry or an MBA degree would be a plus.
Interpersonal Requirements and Skills:
- Demonstrated people-management/relationship-building skills.
- Must be able to assess the potential for a nascent technology in the commercial arena.
- Possess excellent leadership and communication skills and be able to represent OTM inside and outside WashU.
- Demonstrated ability to make appropriate decisions as it relates to technology transfer activities.
- Exceptional and demonstrated ability to provide superior customer service to internal and external clients is also required.
- Must have excellent communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and set work priorities with minimal supervision.
- Ability to interact with academic scientists and business executives.
- Strong team-oriented focus.
- Ability to build rapport and trust with faculty, colleagues, and stakeholders.
The Senior Licensing Associate, Physical Science Salary & Benefits
The salary for this role is based on experience; up to $110,000.
Washington University in St. Louis provides an enriching, valuable employee experience, one that emphasizes the well-being of people, a shared purpose, and an inclusive community.
The employee experience framework includes five areas of focus at WashU, concentrating on the dynamic relationship between all facets of well-being and the diverse needs of people. The employee experience spans many important areas, including work-life integration, growth and development, physical and mental health, financial well-being, and a vibrant, inclusive culture and community. This framework embraces helping people thrive, personally and professionally, and empowers employees to engage, take care of themselves and their families, achieve success in a meaningful career, and live out their life’s purpose at WashU.
- Mind/Body – enable employees to focus on their personal health and wellness.
- Financial well-being – provide support and education for a sound financial future.
- Work-Life support – help employees achieve balance in their work and personal life, from family care to employee assistance program to time off and leave.
- Inclusive culture and vibrant community – foster a diverse and inclusive culture that is engaging and focused on pride, purpose, appreciation, recognition and belonging.
- Learning and development – empower employees to learn, grow, and excel in their careers.
Position Details
Job position specifications & more info
Procedure for Consideration
The Office of Technology Management (OTM) at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) has exclusively retained Gardner Innovation Search Partners to manage this search. Gardner Innovation Search Partners is the top technology transfer recruiter in the world and is committed to presenting a diverse slate of candidates with the skills, expertise, and enthusiasm to thrive in this role.
Interested applicants should send their resume along with any questions to:
Lisa Rooney, Recruiter
740-251-7390
Tom Sweetman, Recruiter
614-563-2389
About St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis (STL) is rich in history, a river town once known as the “Gateway to the West,” but that doesn’t mean its best days are behind it. This Midwestern town sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and has an estimated population of 2.8 million people. St. Louis boasts a diverse economy including strong manufacturing, trade, transportation, and tourism industries. It is home to eight Fortune 500 companies.
WashU is at the center of its innovative research hub. The University is well connected with the community and offers employees special evenings and discounts to enjoy the many forms of culture and sports entertainment available. (See past events here.)
STL is teeming with plenty of free, world-class attractions. There’s a bustling arts-and-culture scene; rich history including the iconic Gateway Arch, the nation’s tallest monument; plenty of parks, trails, and waterways geared toward outdoor adventure; and a fun-loving sports fan base to round out the possibilities for after-work entertainment.
The St. Louis Lambert International Airport is a hub for Southwest Airlines making it easily accessible.
