Director, Office of Technology Commercialization – UMass Lowell

Please note: this job has already been filled by Gardner Innovation Search Partners.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) supports the commercialization of inventions emerging from research conducted at UMass Lowell. OTC provides researchers with the support to analyze and achieve the full potential of their inventions and to develop a commercialization plan for each technology. Innovative technologies from UMass Lowell are licensed to all types of companies, ranging from enterprising start-ups to large multinational corporations. OTC-generated revenues help to sustain the University’s mission of scientific research and economic development. Read more about the office here: https://www.uml.edu/research/otc/.

Enrollment and research expenditures have doubled over the last 10 years at UMass Lowell, and people are often surprised to learn they enroll over 18,000 students. Their strengths are in the STEM area, with a world renowned engineering program.

UMass Lowell has also been building their entrepreneurial ecosystem, with an investment fund, two technology incubators, a new entrepreneur-in-residence program, and a collaboration with the business school.

The Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) provides leadership, vision, and direction to the OTC at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), and participates in and oversees the management of the UML IP portfolio.  The Director leads a group of technology transfer professionals to evaluate, protect, market, and license new inventions disclosed by University researchers.  Responsible for oversight of agreements relating to management of intellectual property, which may include reviewing, drafting and negotiating agreements such as license and option agreements, sponsored research agreements, material transfer agreements and NDA’s.  The Director will also proactively develop and maintain internal and external relationships that lead to commercialization of technologies created in UML research laboratories; provide the faculty, staff, and students with training, advice, and guidance on University commercialization policies and processes; promote OTC successes to faculty, staff, and students to encourage new invention disclosure and commercialization efforts.  The Director is responsible for fostering collaborative working relationships with the Office of Research Administration, New Venture Development, and the UMass system (Office of Technology Commercialization and Ventures, Office of General Counsel, and other campus and system wide commercialization offices) to ensure the Lowell campus IP and technology commercialization goals and needs are met.

Required Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree required.  (Ph.D.) in science, engineering and/or business, or JD preferred, Master’s degree in business or technical field with 8-10 years’ experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated understanding of technologies in engineering, physical and life sciences. 
  • The ability to manage a revenue-generating, entrepreneurial operation within the context and culture of an academic environment is critical.
  • Eight or more years of relevant industry or academic experience in technology transfer, marketing, IP protection, and licensing as well as experience in negotiating, drafting, and executing agreements.
  • Five or more years of decision-making leadership and management experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • High degree of technical and business expertise as well as a solid understanding of the legal, financial, and entrepreneurial issues involved in the protection, licensing, and commercialization of intellectual property.
  • Demonstrated success in agreement review, drafting and negotiation
  • Experience in financial management, goals achievement, and strategic planning.  Must have the ability to balance public benefit and faculty service with revenue and expense management.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a high level of energy, and the ability to inspire a team of professionals.
  • Due to export control compliance reasons, candidates for this position must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Ability to integrate multidisciplinary context and manage interests of multiple stakeholders are critical mandatory skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in business development and entrepreneurship.

The salary for this role is $120,000-$150,000.

UMass Lowell offers a wide array of plans, benefits and discounts available to members of the university community. A full list of benefit details can be found at https://www.uml.edu/hr/employee-benefits/.

Read the full position specification with further details and responsibilities here.

Director of Technology Commercialization Applicants

UMass Lowell 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, a non-confidential deal sheet, and any questions to:

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

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

Dave Winwood, Recruiter
David@gardnerisp.com
919-673-4080

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

About Lowell, Massachusetts

Lowell, Massachusetts is just 30 minutes outside of Boston. With so much to offer and do, plus a big city just a few minutes away, there’s so much to like about Lowell! In fact, they have their own #LikeLowell hashtag and website! See all events, dining options, shopping, entertainment, history and more at https://www.likelowell.com/.