The Opportunity
Work for one of the top private research universities in the country. MIT has been #1 since 2012 in the QS Universities World Universities Rankings. Located in a prime location between the bustling Central and Kendall Squares, and across the Charles River from Boston’s Back Bay, MIT is seamlessly integrated into the vibrant and diverse community of Cambridge – renowned for its intellectual atmosphere, rich history, and flourishing innovation ecosystem. Join a university with a legacy of academic distinction since 1861.
The Technology Licensing Officer (Officer) in the Technology Licensing Office (TLO) of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) provides the highest quality licensing and outreach to industry and others interested in commercializing MIT technology. General responsibilities will include: identification and assessment of commercial potential of new inventions, identification of potential licensees either in established or spinout companies, marketing of inventions, negotiation of license and other agreements and strategic management of the patenting process. This position will manage a portfolio of cases with an electrical engineering and/or optics focus.
Key responsibilities include:
- Evaluate new technology disclosures for commercial potential, develop patent strategies, manage patent prosecution, identify and qualify potential licensees, draft business terms for license agreements, negotiate and execute license agreements, manage other related IP agreements and monitor compliance of terms in all license agreements.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with faculty inventors, corporate representatives, patent attorneys and members of the MIT and surrounding innovation community.
- Provide general advice on the MIT technology commercialization process, IP policy and practice to faculty, students, and other members of the MIT and Boston innovation community, including information on disclosing technologies, evaluation of IP, intellectual property ownership, licensing and so forth.
- Manage a large and complex portfolio of cases including development of appropriate marketing strategies for commercialization, technology briefs and other marketing collateral.
- Conduct diligence on IP ownership and sponsorship and collaborate with joint owners to execute IP management agreements.
- Develop, maintain and manage licensee relationships. Work with the TLO Finance team to conduct periodic audits of licensees.
- Work closely with other TLO staff in the administration of IP and related agreements including reimbursement of patent costs, receipt and distribution of revenue proceeds, joint ownership of inventions, strategic patent management, federal compliance and other matters required for the successful management of MIT IP.
- Work with faculty and other inventors to facilitate startups through engagement with the local innovation ecosystem.
- Build and maintain strong industry and VC relationships in the marketing and adoption of MIT inventions into established or spinout companies.
- Work with Alliance Manager and Catalyst Teams in OSATT and provide IP related information (such as background IP information), and commercialization and licensing strategies for specific IP portfolios to enable their successful engagement with sponsors of faculty research.
- Develop an annual professional development plan and set annual goals aligned with the mission of the Technology Licensing Office.
- Provide daily supervision and mentorship to Technology Licensing Associates (TLAs), Senior TLAs and Associate Licensing Officers and other administrative staff. This includes providing day to day guidance on projects and tasks, undertaking annual performance reviews and assisting in the creation of individual professional development plans for these staff.
- Delegate tasks to an Associate Officer/Senior or Technology Licensing Associate appropriate to the specific role and to the demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience of the individual and in keeping with the agreed upon annual professional development plan.
- Delegate tasks to the Administrative Assistant appropriate to the role and to the demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience of the individual.
- Lead in the creation and establishment of commercialization related presentations and events at MIT including periodic presentations about IP trends, MIT commercialization processes, industry trends and other content intended to educate and inform faculty and students.
- Participate in conferences and seminars conducted by MIT, OSATT, TLO, professional organizations or other academic institutions.
- Represent the MIT TLO at a variety of meetings and events involving International, National, University, State and local government officials and Industry representatives.
Qualifications
- U.S citizenship is required for this position. Successful candidates should also be willing to obtain additional government security clearance.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively interact with MIT faculty and students, departmental and administrative staff, lawyers, venture capitalists, etc.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Excellent problem-solving skills to address complex business, legal, interpersonal and inter-organizational issues.
- Strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to work independently and to exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments.
Education:
- Minimum of B.S. in Engineering., with preference given to B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Optical Engineering
- Advanced technical degree or MBA preferred, but not required.
Experience:
- Seven or more years of direct experience in the physical sciences areas of Electrical Engineering or Optics (as detailed below), at least five of which are in a non- laboratory/engineering position involving activities such as marketing and technology licensing, product management and/or business development and contract negotiation.
- Prior experience in academic technology transfer is strongly preferred.
Electrical Engineering – Engineering/marketing experience in the electronics industry, technology and markets.
Optics – Experience in fields of lasers, optical components or communications; knowledge of components, communications systems and electronics industry, technology and markets
Position offers competitive salary and a full range of benefits, including a pension plan and supplemental retirement plan options. This position is a hybrid role and does require a minimum of Tuesday and Wednesday in the office each week.
TO APPLY SEND CV AND COVER LETTER VIA EMAIL TO: MCRUZ@TEKCAPITAL.COM