The Polsky Center brings the power of ideas in the laboratory, classroom, and community to the world. The Polsky Center houses the University of Chicago’s technology transfer unit, which manages all University-based intellectual property originating from faculty research and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors. In addition, through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. The Polsky Center runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge; operates a 34,000 square-foot, multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange; manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early-stage ventures; and offers a state-of-the-art Fabrication Lab for prototyping new products.

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Software/AI/ML Technology Development Manager Job Duties

As an integral part of the University of Chicago Polsky Center’s Science and Technology team, the Software/AI/ML Technology Development Manager develops and manages strong relationships with faculty across the University. The Manager actively solicits and evaluates inventions and software arising from University research for intellectual property protection and commercial potential, prioritizing projects according to commercial opportunities and revenue requirements. Technology Development Managers are responsible for a diverse portfolio of technologies and work in a growing team of patent, contract, business development, and entrepreneurship specialists to protect and license inventions to existing companies and startups.  New hires are expected to develop strong relationships with inventors, legal counsel, prospective and current licensees, and Polsky Center colleagues to promote the mission of the University of Chicago and its Polsky Center to catalyze ideas into impact.

Summary of responsibilities and duties:

• Promotes the mission and business of the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center through the development of strong relationships with inventors (mainly faculty members), legal counsel, prospective and actual licensees, and Polsky Center colleagues.
• Screens inventions; evaluates and decides which inventions and software to pursue.
• Works as part of a team to manage patent prosecution for selected inventions.
• Works with operations data management and compliance team members on data collection, reporting, and compliance related to invention disclosures, patents, and agreements.
• Keeps up to date on the latest regulations related to technology transfer compliance.
• Develops intellectual portfolio patenting, licensing, and commercialization activities. Interprets patent issues and reviews patent prosecution for selected inventions.
• Uses depth and breadth of knowledge to promote the mission and business of the department through developing strong relationships with inventors, legal counsel, and colleagues.
• Engaged with licensing primarily to provide an IP perspective.

Software/AI/ML Technology Development Manager Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Advanced degree in computer science, or electrical engineering or related discipline preferred.

Work Experience:

• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Background with technology transfer and commercialization, including internship or fellowship programs, in university or industry setting preferred.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficiency with computers.
• Excellent customer service and relationship skills, particularly with academic faculty members.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Effective interpersonal, verbal and written communications.
• Attention to detail with clear understanding of how to prioritize workload appropriately.
• Excellent analytical and computational skills.
• Work well under pressure and manage multi-task projects.
• Work independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Work effectively within a team.
• Maintain confidentiality.

The salary for this role is commensurate with experience. The University of Chicago offers a variety of benefits to meet the needs of their employees. Read about their benefits here.

Software/AI/ML Technology Development Manager Applicants

Interested in Applying?

The University of Chicago 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 here: https://gardnerisp.com/diversity-inclusion/.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

The University of Chicago seeks a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

The University of Chicago is open to sponsoring visas for exceptional candidates.