Assistant Director, Technology Licensing

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 92,592 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits

Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents

Retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options

Generous leave policies

Voluntary long-term care insurance

Access to libraries, athletic facilities, and cultural activities

Flexible work arrangements

Forgivable loan programs for home purchase

Reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking an Assistant Director for Technology Licensing to identify, evaluate, and commercialize innovations from the Perelman School of Medicine.

Ideal candidates will possess a Ph.D. along with excellent customer service and communication skills while driving relationships within academia and industry. A competitive salary of $92,592 to $130,000 is offered, alongside a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare and retirement options.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Understanding of the research environment, preferably in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Lead identification, evaluation, protection, marketing, and licensing of technologies.
• Develop relationships with PSOM investigators and industry partners.
• Negotiate option, license, and related agreements for intellectual property.
• Prepare non-confidential marketing materials for assigned technologies.
• Participate in outreach activities for technology commercialization.

Skills

Excellent customer service skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in a life science field or equivalent

Job description

Job Title

Assistant Director, Technology Licensing

Overview

The University of Pennsylvania is a private employer in Philadelphia known for education, research, and innovation. Penn offers a competitive benefits package including healthcare, tuition benefits, retirement options, professional development opportunities, and wellness resources.

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Licensing for Penn's Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), this position leads the identification, evaluation, protection, marketing, and licensing of PSOM technologies with commercial potential. The role proactively develops relationships with PSOM investigators and industry partners, facilitates research collaborations with companies, and negotiates option, license, and related agreements for intellectual property and tangible research materials. It supports post‑agreement relationship management with company partners and serves as a collaborative member of the PSOM licensing team to translate Penn Medicine innovations into real-world impact.

Job Responsibilities

• Proactively develop, lead, and sustain strong working relationships with faculty and researchers in targeted PSOM departments. Meet regularly with investigators to discuss ongoing research and identify technologies with commercial potential, serving as the primary PCI point of contact for assigned investigators and/or departments.
• Evaluate assigned technology disclosures to determine their commercial potential and to develop and recommend well‑articulated, diligently justified go/no‑go decisions regarding patent protection. Present and support these recommendations, along with proposed IP and commercialization strategies, at weekly Patent Investment Meetings (PIM).
• Identify and engage with potential industry partners and investors; perform due diligence on prospective partners and conduct technology valuation to inform deal strategy and structure. Initiate and lead the negotiation of licensing and option agreements, and assist with sponsored research and other research‑related agreements with commercial entities, as required. Be responsive to the needs of PCI clients and help manage relationships with company partners following agreement execution.
• Develop commercialization strategies for assigned technologies and portfolios, including assessment of market need, commercial potential, competitive landscape, and appropriate commercialization pathways. Perform market analysis to identify opportunities and outreach to targeted partners and investors. Prepare non‑confidential marketing materials for assigned technologies with input from PCI's Marketing, Communications and Programs team as appropriate.
• Participate in outreach activities to educate PSOM faculty, researchers, and trainees about technology commercialization pathways and PCI resources. Help plan and deliver seminars, workshops, and events, and support programs to promote engagement with corporate partners and awareness of opportunities to work with Penn and PCI.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required in a life science field, or equivalent doctoral degree, plus 2–5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Understanding of the research environment, preferably in higher education
• Excellent customer service skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Department / School

Provost's Center

Pay Range

$92,592.00 - $130,000.00 Annual Rate

Equal Opportunity

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Special Requirements

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits with pre‑tax spending options.
• Tuition: Tuition assistance for employee and eligible dependents where applicable.
• Retirement: Retirement plans with pre‑tax or Roth options and investment options.
• Time Away from Work: Generous leave policies for personal and family needs.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Voluntary long‑term care insurance available for eligible employees and family members.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health, family, and balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personal and professional growth.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, cultural activities, and more with potential free or discounted participation.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, and other services.
• Flexible Work Options: Flexible work arrangements to support balance between work and personal commitments.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan programs for eligible employees for home purchase or improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses for eligible employees.