The Office of Technology Transfer at Rice University is part of the Office of Research. With a growing focus on research as a whole at the university, the Office of Technology Transfer is more important than ever in helping the university reach its goals.
The Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) assists the faculty, staff, and students in commercializing technology created and developed at Rice. In doing so, the OTT strives to contribute to the public good, further economic development in Houston and Texas, and enhance the reputation of Rice University while maintaining a fiduciary responsibility to the university and its faculty, staff, and student body. Get to know more about the office here: https://research.rice.edu/ott/.
The Opportunity
The Office of Technology Transfer is responsible for overseeing research-related contracts with industry and not-for-profit research organizations. The Assistant Director of Contracts, under the supervision of the Director of Technology Transfer, will supervise contract negotiations, compliance with Rice policies, and contract agreements by reviewing and finalizing.
The ideal highly desirable candidate will have experience supervising and leading a team in negotiating industry contracts and intellectual property policies and practices adopted by universities and other research organizations. This person will have a minimum of 5 years of experience drafting and negotiating industrial sponsored research agreements in an academic environment.
The Assistant Director will also be managing two Industrial Contracts Specialists.
Qualifications
Education:
- Must possess a bachelor degree, but an advanced degree (Ph.D., J.D.) is highly desired.
Experience:
- Required: Minimum of 5 years’ experience with contracts, which includes experience leading or supervising a team. Preferred: Ten years of experience drafting and negotiating industrial sponsored research agreements in an academic environment.
- Experience supervising and leading a team in negotiating industry contracts and intellectual property policies and practices adopted by universities and other research organizations.
- Demonstrated record of complex and successful contract negotiations
Knowledge of, and ability to interpret, governing laws and agency specific regulations regarding subcontracting, procurement, reporting, equipment management, export controls, patent policy, and the use of animals and human subjects in research. - Ability to understand grant and contract documents, including the implications of contractual terms on publishing rights, university risk and liability, and intellectual property.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of government regulations and patent law as they impact university contract management.
- Ability to take initiative, prioritize workload, and work independently.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to be an effective liaison with a wide variety of people, including faculty, industry representatives and legal counsel, as well as administrative staff, accountants and colleagues.
- Ability to effectively mentor, coach, and develop junior staff.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively to find optimal resolution.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail required.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send their resume and any questions to:
