Technology Licensing Associate

The Office of Research at Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for advancing the research enterprise at WSU systemwide. The Office of Research facilitates all aspects of the research from pre-award to compliance, advancement, development, and commercialization. The Office of Research amplifies WSU’s land-grant mission by partnering with the university community, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and grow the positive impact of WSU research for the state, region, and nation.

A Technology Licensing Associate (TLA) is responsible for identifying, evaluating, marketing, and licensing inventions made by Washington State University (WSU) inventors. With delegated authority, a TLA represents the Office of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship team, in working with inventors, outside patent counsel and industry to ensure that the commercial potential of WSU inventions is preserved and that the quality and quantity of the intellectual property portfolio is enhanced. A TLA is responsible for the overall management of agreement/contracts. This includes preparation and negotiation, full execution, and monitoring of existing agreements for contractual compliance. Types of agreements/contracts include licenses, options, material transfer agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, and interinstitutional agreements. A TLA works closely with WSU inventors and administrators, outside patent counsel, licensing attorneys, and industry representatives in the conduct of technology transfer activities.

Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions:

• Evaluation of Inventions and Management of Patent Prosecution by Outside Patent Counsel - 40%
• Marketing & Licensing - 35%
• Manage Portfolio - 15%
• Related Duties - 5%
• Other - 5%, 2) Cover Letter
• External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
• Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
• Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
• Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made., Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

• Positions require a graduate degree in business, law, a physical or biological science, or an engineering discipline, OR, a Bachelor’s Degree and three years of directly related work experience in the fields of technology transfer or intellectual property management.
• Graduate degree in physical science field such as: Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or other physical science discipline.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Experience establishing priorities.
• Experience managing multiple projects and bringing extended projects to completion.
• Ability to understand and evaluate physical sciences and engineering innovations., * A PhD in business, physical science, engineering or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in marketing, sales, licensing, negotiating and/or business development, and significant record of successful technology transfer involving physical sciences, advanced materials, chemistry, energy, manufacturing, devices, instrumentation, photonics, semiconductors, engineering systems, software-enabled hardware, or related fields.
• An additional two (2) years experience working with intellectual properties administration or technology transfer.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures relating to intellectual properties within a research university setting.
• Knowledge of university intellectual property policies, U.S. patent law, copyright law, contract law, and university-industry technology transfer trends.

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent position. Overtime eligibility will be determined upon salary placement.

Monthly Salary:

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position., WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.