AssocAsst Director of Licensing

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

The University of Michigan is one of the world's most powerful engines for scholarly research, service, and impact. Sustaining and supporting the University's robust research enterprise are vital for maximizing innovation and economic growth. As a service and resource for researchers interested in the commercialization of technologies and research discoveries, Innovation Partnerships is a unit of the Office of Research that plays a central role in helping to ensure that society realizes the benefits of the research conducted at the University of Michigan.

Innovation Partnerships enhances research discoveries to encourage licensing and broad deployment with existing businesses and newly-formed U-M startups. Innovation Partnerships has earned a reputation for performance among the top 10 of all universities through providing responsive, professional service to our inventors, industry partners, and ecosystem collaborators.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan is seeking a full-time Assistant or Associate Director of Software and Content Licensing and Research Partnerships to join our growing office and manage a portfolio of innovations. Applicants with demonstrated interest and experience in commercializing software and content inventions are encouraged to apply. Examples of relevant software experience include: digital health (e.g., clinical decision support, digital therapeutics, medical imaging analysis, telehealth and remote monitoring tools), artificial intelligence and machine learning, data analytics and scientific visualization, bioinformatics and computational biology, cybersecurity and privacy-preserving computing, education technology and learning platforms, or robotics and autonomous systems software. This position requires extensive interaction with faculty, students, staff, attorneys, potential licensees, early-stage investors, and will report to the Director of Software and Content Licensing and Research Partnerships for the relevant group. As part of the role, you will:

Encourage and evaluate software and content innovation disclosures for potential for commercialization and positive societal impact

Counsel UM researchers on identifying value propositions and appropriate technology development strategies

Create marketing and licensing strategies that maximize software and content commercialization and societal impact potential

Market software and content innovations to potential licensees

Oversee the implementation of appropriate intellectual property strategy; and, where applicable, oversee the filing and management of patent applications

Counsel UM researchers on the use, dissemination, and commercialization of open source projects, including the selection of appropriate open source licenses.

Negotiate, draft, and implement license, option, non-disclosure, and other partnership agreements

Collaborate with Ventures staff to facilitate new start-up companies; negotiate licenses with new start-ups

Work with other members of the UM Innovation Partnerships team to further the goals and objectives of research commercialization at the University

Interface with other entrepreneurship programs on campus and in the community

The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is consistently rated one of the top places to live in the country. For more information, visit: https://www.visitannarbor.org. You will work as part of a team of licensing professionals with extensive industry and professional experiences, who enjoy collaborating and learning from one another.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline; at least one year experience in academic research commercialization, a startup, venture fund, or relevant industry setting; excellent interpersonal skills; written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures; ability to interact with scientists, research sponsors, industry representatives, early-stage investors, and attorneys; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment; ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines; interest or experience in negotiations, contracts, and new technology commercialization; highly self-motivated professional with exceptional sales, marketing and negotiating skills; experience or interest in evaluating the commercial potential of early stage technology, and to effectively communicate the commercialization vision; detail oriented with ability to work on multiple projects at the same time; knowledge of or capability to quickly learn intellectual property law and licensing practices; high degree of energy and enthusiasm, and desire to function as an integral part of a joyous workplace.

Desired Qualifications*

Master's degree, MBA, J.D., or other graduate degree desired; at least two years experience in successfully commercializing technology in an academic technology transfer office or in industry; experience with bringing to market particular types of scientific innovations; interpersonal skills; written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures; ability to interact with scientists, research sponsors, industry representatives, early-stage investors, and attorneys; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment; ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines; business experience in negotiations, contracts, and new technology commercialization; highly self-motivated professional with exceptional sales, marketing and negotiating skills; experience in evaluating the commercial potential of early stage technology, and to effectively communicate the commercialization vision; detail oriented with ability to work on multiple projects at the same time; knowledge of intellectual property law and licensing practices; high degree of energy and enthusiasm, and desire to function as an integral part of a joyous workplace.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

This position may be filled at the working title of Assistant Director of Licensing or the working title of Associate Director of Licensing, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.