Senior Licensing Manager (Remote)

The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is seeking a qualified Senior Licensing Manager. The Senior Licensing Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio of intellectual property cases, a team of licensing professionals and will be primarily responsible for working with faculty in the physical sciences (i.e. engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics, including software and, copyrights).

   Job duties will include, but not be limited to: 

• Develops and oversees licensing opportunities for University intellectual property, including patents, copyrights and other intellectual property.
• Manages a portfolio of intellectual property cases, including evaluating inventions for marketability and patentability; developing and executing commercialization strategies for inventions; actively marketing discoveries to industry partners; participating in company formation decisions and implementing spin-off strategies; negotiating options, licenses, and intellectual property terms in industry-sponsored research agreements; and monitoring of license performance.
• Researches, analyzes, and identifies potential new University licensing opportunities. Negotiates licensing agreements with established companies and start-ups.
• Qualifies potential licensees.
• Conducts portfolio reviews. Reviews and monitors legal costs associated with licensing relating to portfolio management.
• Maintains accurate files/records and databases for licensing agreements. Prepares reports as needed.
• Ensures ongoing licensing compliance.
• Management of patent prosecution in connection with outside counsel, and responsibility for making patent maintenance decisions in coordination with inventors, licensees, and other groups within the organization.
• Ability to work closely with University inventors, educating on intellectual property matters and development of inventive concepts and invention disclosures prior to the preparation and filing of a patent application.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced team-based environment, working across various teams within the organization, including new ventures, industry & economic partnerships, IP, government compliance, etc.

Prior experience managing direct reports is required. 

Requires knowledge about patent requirements as well as patent prosecution.

Requires knowledge about intellectual property licensing practices with a focus primarily on patents; some familiarity with copyright licensing will also be beneficial for this role.

Must have demonstrable experience and the ability to formulate and to close corporate deals and exhibit entrepreneurial skills. The ability to work on multiple, complex transactions is essential to success in this position.

An advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant physical science field is highly preferred; an MBA is helpful.

At least 5 years of technology transfer experience, or five years of relevant experience, preferred. Some aspect of the intellectual property licensing process from a business perspective is also preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with academic technology transfer experience.

The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship inspires, educates and enables others to make an impact on society, improve the regional economy and transform their own careers. The office is composed of four units: The Innovation Institute, the Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships, the Big Idea Center for student innovation, and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. For more information please visit the website at: innovation.pitt.edu.

Develops and oversees licensing opportunities for intellectual property and manages a portfolio of intellectual property cases. Identifies and reviews new University licensing opportunities, negotiates licensing agreements, and qualifies potential licensees. Oversees budget management and projections and prepares reports. Maintains records and databases and ensures compliance with licensing regulations.

Position is administrative in nature and requires duties that are performed in an office environment. Requires strong computer skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

Position is mostly sedentary but may be required to travel to various on and off campus meetings.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.