Tech Launch Arizona at the University of Arizona, working with the College of Optical Sciences, is seeking a self-motivated, outgoing individual with a scientific degree and experience in technology transfer, and demonstrated ability to work independently in a Licensing Manager (LM) position.

This position will work primarily with faculty inventors in Optical Sciences and reports to TLA’s Director of Licensing & IP.

Tech Launch Arizona represents a prioritization of the University’s commitment to impact of research. The Licensing Manager, working directly with faculty, staff, and students, will support and expand UArizona’s significant portfolio of Optical Sciences intellectual property and increase the impact associated with the inventions and discoveries associated with the College’s national reputation of research excellence.

About Tech Launch Arizona

Tech Launch Arizona (TLA) is the University of Arizona unit with the primary mission of ensuring greater cohesion among University researchers, the business community, and organizations supporting technology commercialization to significantly enhance the impact of University of Arizona research and creative endeavors. Read more in the Tech Launch Arizona annual report.

2021 highlighted accomplishments include:

University of Arizona, Licensing Manager Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understand the research activities within Optical Sciences and the potential of that research for intellectual property (IP) protection and impact through commercialization;
• Help streamline the technology commercialization process for inventors by shepherding invention disclosures, CDAs, patent applications, marketing collateral, term sheets, options, license agreements, and other necessary elements in the technology transfer process;
• Familiarize the faculty, staff, and students with technology transfer in terms of purpose, intellectual property, process, and value of commercialization to the College, inventors, community, and Arizona;
• Foster relationships with faculty to make them aware of commercial potential for their research, both present and future;
• Participate as a valued added contributor in grant proposals, industry contracts and related activities;
• Work independently to guide inventors through invention disclosures, NDAs, conflict of interest considerations associated with startups, and other interactions with TLA, including meaningful prior art searches and results;
• Work with inventors to determine technology milestones, timelines for moving technology into a commercial product, and appropriate IP strategies, and help to assess and prioritize inventions for TLA’s Asset Development funding;
• Work with TLA marketing and market research teams to identify potential licensees and contacts within those companies;
• Work with researchers, TLA Intellectual Property Manager and team, and outside patent counsel to manage patent prosecution and other protection of inventions;
• Negotiate various agreements, including licenses or options for intellectual property rights, and manage ongoing relationships with licensees;
• Participate in outreach events to promote Optical Sciences, TLA and licensing opportunities; and
• Additional duties may be assigned,

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General knowledge of intellectual property law, intellectual property evaluation, and contracts, especially as pertains to a university setting;
• Ability to work collaboratively with researchers or technical staff in intellectual property matters;
• Strong business ethics and service orientation;
• Superior communication skills, both oral and written;
• Multi-faceted negotiation skills with the ability to express complex ideas and positions clearly and succinctly;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, peers, academics, and other professionals, including external agencies, with varied interests and perspectives; and
• Ability to be self-motivated and outgoing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience required, with major studies in optical sciences or any other physical sciences domain;
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience is typically required in technology transfer, technology licensing, business development, contract negotiation, or commercial assessment experience, including the development, preparation, review, or execution of contracts in optics-related domains required.
• Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to be ITAR/EAR compliant.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience required in optical sciences or any other physical sciences field;
• Over 3 years of relevant work experience in technology licensing, business development, contract negotiation, or commercial assessment experience, including the development, preparation, review, or execution of a wide range of business contracts in optics related domain;
• Experience working with researchers, creators or technical staff in IP matters in related domains in a university or comparable setting;
• Experience working with intellectual property, specifically patents;
• Experience as a team player who seeks, and uses effectively, instruction and advice from professional colleagues.

Here is the University of Arizona Licensing Manager full position specification with further details.

Licensing Manager Applicants

The University of Arizona 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.

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