As part of the Michigan State University Innovation Center, MSU Technologies (MSUT) commercializes academic discoveries and inventions created as a result of MSU’s $718M research enterprise. The MSU Innovation Center is an initiative partnering MSUT with Spartan Innovations, which launches start-ups based on MSU technology and Business-CONNECT, the university’s corporate engagement office. Under the current leadership, the commercialization enterprise at MSU has grown with invention disclosures reaching a new record in FY2019.
The Technology Manager manages all aspects of screening, protecting, marketing technologies and negotiation of option and license agreements for a large, diverse portfolio of technologies. The successful candidate will collaborate with Innovation Center colleagues in Business-CONNECT and Spartan Innovations. The position will be working with a wide range of technologies.
Technology Managers at MSUT enjoy access to over $750,000 per year of internal funds to support translational research that advance and de-risk university technologies.
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Have the proven ability to manage/coordinate multiple tasks and work successfully with academic scholars, entrepreneurs, industry executives, and staff.
- Create partnerships that link university, state and industry resources to address technology and economic development needs.
- Ensure faculty is provided guidance and information on the University policies as they relate to intellectual property including patent, trademark and copyright requirements, the processes and procedures that are involved in the seeking and obtaining patent protection for inventions, and in the marketing and licensing of University technologies.
- Proficient in outreach, both internally and externally.
- Serve as an expert on all aspects of technology licensing.
- Be comfortable with ambiguity and organizational change in an area that is continually evolving in processes and systems.
- Have the ability to deal with technical and business issues with equal skill.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 3-5 years of experience in the management, development, and/or commercialization of intellectual property. Experience in software licensing is desirable. Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a relevant discipline is preferred.
- Experience and knowledge working with a wide range of technologies.
- Experience and knowledge in commercialization including market analysis, technology evaluation, deal structuring and negotiation.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively while meeting the needs of a wide range of researchers, staff and stakeholders including those within the University community, the East Lansing business community, as well as state and federal government.
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail required.
- Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills even during times of high stress.
- Ability to think and plan strategically while managing multiple tasks.
- Skill in working with a wide variety of industry professionals in a positive manner.
- Ability to effectively cause and facilitate change in an environment where opportunities and priorities may evolve rapidly.
- Dependable problem solving and conflict resolution capabilities.
