Officer, Technology Licensing

Reports to: Senior Director, Technology Transfer Office (TTO)

Purpose: The job holder will support in all aspects of the University's technology transfer operations with a focus on innovations from the physics, electronics, and computer science and engineering areas, including identifying, protecting, marketing and licensing out innovations, supporting startup formation and technology commercialization managing license compliance, and supporting day-to-day operations of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), as well as liaising with other organizations across the University as a whole. He/she will play an active role in fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship on campus and maximizing the University’s local economic development impact through technology transfer. He/she should be passionate about learning about cutting-edge technologies across many disciplines and the potential industries they may disrupt to help guide the American University in Cairo’s (AUC) research team towards translating their work into a successful product in the market for societal and economic impact.

Principal Accountabilities:

Intellectual Property Portfolio Management

• Execute assigned scouting plan to serve all on-campus innovators in designated disciplines while building faculty trust through consistent and meaningful contact
• Support the office team in the analysis and modification of the scouting plan periodically
• Carry out technology market and patentability research using all available research tools and resources as well as other means as necessary
• Analyze and develop technology assessment reports for every innovation disclosure based on market and patentability research and report results to the office director for discussion and approval
• Support and manage, in coordination with the office director, the prosecution of designated innovation cases including patent drafting, filing, application conversions, and dropping prosecution of applications deemed no longer worth pursuing
• Supervise office interns, if any, and any future positions reporting to the officer towards the successful implementation of the TTO’s mission
• Employ current technologies for effective office administration and management of all technology transfer data for effective office management, assessment, reporting, archiving, prospecting, and improvement. Such data includes agreements, patent and other documents and deadlines, assessments, office metrics, prospect interactions, incoming and outgoing payments and so on

Prospecting and External Community Engagement

• Assist in developing target-audience-appropriate marketing strategies and content for designated AUC technologies and innovations, in coordination with all relevant cross-functional campus offices, towards successful prospecting of licensee outreach
• Develop concepts and content for the office website, events, databases and other marketing vehicles to increase visibility of the University's technologies and research faculty, in coordination with the Office of Marketing Communications and Public Affairs
• Engage prospective licensees through local and international calls, online engagements, conference and tradeshow engagements, and meetings
• Ensure confidentiality of AUC intellectual assets while prospecting and secure confidentiality agreements, when relevant, for technologies being considered for licensing

Technology Licensing

• Actively support negotiation for all technology licenses in designated discipline areas, in coordination with relevant cross-functional offices as each case necessitates
• Research and design meaningful valuation models and strategies for technologies under consideration for licensing, in coordination with the office team
• Monitor and manage, in coordination with the office director, all post-license deal compliance for university licensees including ensuring diligence milestones are met, royalty and other payment collection, sound reporting of relevant activities and sales

General Engagement and Support for University Community

• Establish and offer, in concert with the office team, effective mechanisms for IP and commercialization awareness on campus for students, faculty and staff such as lectures, workshops, and events
• Provide advice to faculty, students and staff on general IP matters and matters relating to the University’s IP policy
• In collaboration with Office of Marketing Communications and Public Affairs, coordinate and oversee the continuous production of electronic and print material on AUC innovations and scientific research
• Support office efforts to secure grants and develop programs and partnerships that further AUC’s mission towards making significant contributions to Egypt and the international community
• Perform any other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree is required
• Studies and expertise in the electronics, physics, computer science and engineering space
• Graduate degree is a plus

Experience:

• At least 1-3 years of experience in industry or academia in the electronics or technology space
• Previous knowledge or experience with patenting inventions, and issues relating to licenses, contracts and technological transfer are a plus
• Start-up experience is a plus

Skills :

• Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic language both written and oral
• Attention to details and very good organization skills
• Very good communication, negotiation, and persuasion skills
• Problem solving skills, high level of creativity
• Multi-tasker and can work under pressure
• Strong project management skills, ability to meet deadlines
• Proficiency in graphic, visual design, animation, video production and social media engagement is a huge plus
• Experience with customer relationship management systems such as salesforce is a plus

This position is open until May 14, 2022

Placement is based on the candidate’s experience and skills. Only candidates who make it to the short list will be contacted.

"The American University in Cairo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply."

“We thank all individuals who have expressed interest in working at The American University in Cairo.”