The IP Exchange at Auburn University connects university research with the commercial marketplace. They help researchers protect their intellectual property in the marketplace and help users leverage that technology across multiple industries.

The IPX Team has decades of experience in translating technology to industry, from working with researchers and faculty to patent lawyers and entrepreneurs.

Between FY 2014 and FY 2020, Auburn received:

• 452 invention disclosures
• 115 US patents issued
• Executed 101 exclusive license and option agreements
• Formed 13 start-up companies
• Received over $11,700,000 in licensing revenue

Director, IP Agreement Negotiations & Technology Transfer Job Duties

The Director, IP Agreement Negotiations & Technology Transfer provides senior level knowledge and insight in the management, control, and commercialization of intellectual property (IP) created by Auburn University. Reviews, drafts, negotiates, and closes IP related agreements on behalf of the University, identifying and resolving risks in contractual terms and conditions not conforming to AU policy or governing regulations.

Essential Functions Include:

• Reviews, drafts, negotiates, and closes IP related agreements, including complex or master agreements, on behalf of the University, assuring completeness and compliance with University policies and procedures and government regulations and laws, as well as providing guidance, review, and negotiation of IP language in University industry sponsored research agreements. Identifies and resolves risks in contractual terms and conditions not conforming to AU policy or governing regulations. Works closely with faculty researchers to manage industry collaborations. Provides guidance and supervision to the Senior Industry Negotiator and oversees the negotiation of industry contracts and agreements.
• Engages with faculty and outside entities who have an interest in the development of the University’s discoveries, inventions and innovations, contributing to the local and state economic development, and the branding, marketing, and licensing of Auburn IP. Establishes formal research and development relationships between companies whose strategic market concerns parallel the University’s research and development capabilities.
• Provides guidance to faculty, administrative units, and staff ensuring compliance with, and adherence to, IP related laws, regulations, and policies, while building trust and providing efficient and effective service to diverse constituents both on- and off-campus.
• Provides leadership and guidance to support staff; assists in the management and oversight of daily operations of the IPX office; acts on behalf of the Director of IPX in his/her absence.
• Engages in educating faculty, staff, students, and outside inventors regarding IP and the technology transfer process, as well as other outreach activities of the IPX office.
• Facilitates and fosters inter-organizational relationships, while responding to and addressing stakeholder inquiries. Represents the IPX by participating with various internal and external groups and associations related to intellectual property and economic development.
• Performs and takes a leadership role in special projects as assigned by the Vice President for Research and Economic Development or the Director of IPX.

Director, IP Agreement Negotiations & Technology Transfer Qualifications

To excel in this position, candidates must have:

Education

• Master’s Degree preferably in Business, Law, Engineering, Physical or Life Sciences

Experience

• Experience in business development or technology commercialization with progressively increasing levels of responsibility.
• Must have research administration experience and contracts experience, including drafting and negotiating complex agreements.
• Working knowledge of accounting principles and financial management, research regulatory compliance requirements, use of human and animal subjects, and intellectual property.
• Must have at least 1 year of experience directly supervising full-time employees.

Minimum Required Knowledge

• Knowledge of contract drafting and negotiation practices
• Knowledge of licensing practices; knowledge of risk management
• Knowledge of state, federal and industry contract guidelines, procedures and laws as they pertain to university research and the intellectual property (IP) developed from research and IP protection procedures.
• Knowledge of patent administration and Bayh-Dole compliance requirements; general understanding of business including startups, venture capital, etc.

Salary

• The salary for this role is $92,400 – $175,600, commensurate with experience.

Director, IP Agreement Negotiations & Technology Transfer Applicants

Interested in Applying?

Auburn University 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 who possess the skills, expertise, and enthusiasm to thrive in this role.

Interested applicants should send their resume along with any questions to:

Lisa Rooney, Recruiter
lisa@gardnerisp.com
(740) 251-7390

Glen Gardner, Recruiter
glen@gardnerisp.com
(614) 354-8400

Tom Sweetman, Recruiter
tom@gardnerisp.com
(614) 563-2389

Gardner Innovation Search Partners is committed to diversity in both people and ideas. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.