Commercialization Manager

AUTM; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Office of Technology Commercialization seeks a Commercialization Manager to help researchers bring university inventions to market. The role involves evaluating technologies, managing IP disclosures, and coordinating licensing activities across science and engineering disciplines.

Applicants should have a post-baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) and several years in tech transfer, with strong collaboration skills to work with faculty and

Qualifications

• Experience in university technology transfer and IP management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and relationships across diverse technologies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate technologies and manage disclosures and IP assets.
• Coordinate marketing strategies and licensing plans for university inventions.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related contracts and licenses.
• Build faculty relationships and advise on commercialization strategies.

Skills

IP management

Communication

Project management

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree or Bachelor's with 3+ years in tech transfer

Tools

Patent prosecution

Licensing negotiations

Job description

The Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) is located within the Vice Chancellor’s Office for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. OTC manages the University’s intellectual property including patenting, marketing and negotiating licenses for the commercialization of University owned inventions. KickStart Ventures is a division within OTC that supports faculty founded startups.

THIS POSTING IS FOR TWO IDENTICAL POSITIONS (POSITION NUMBERS 20078585 AND 20030805). BY APPLYING TO THIS POSTING, YOU WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR BOTH AVAILABLE POSITIONS

This position is located in the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) which is located in the Division of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. OTC manages the University’s intellectual property including patenting marketing and negotiating licenses for the commercialization of University owned inventions. The Commercialization Manager (CM) helps researchers conceptualize and commercialize novel technologies in the computer, software, data analysis, digital health, engineering, chemical, or biological science industries. The CM educates faculty and manages the process of disclosing, protecting (patent, copyright, software, or tangible property), developing strategic marketing plans for, and licensing their inventions. Duties include evaluating technologies, evaluating copyright and software, managing patent prosecution, coordinating marketing plans, and drafting and negotiating a range of intellectual property-related contracts. The CM places special emphasis on building faculty relationships, making investment decisions, and developing commercialization strategies in coordination with a wide range of related offices and stakeholders.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level background in technology transfer, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. Technology transfer experience would be related to managing the flow of research innovation, disclosures, patents, trademarks, copyrights and other aspects of technology commercialization.

• One or more years of experience working in university commercialization evaluating invention disclosures, marketing technologies and negotiating license agreements or equivalent experience
• A clear understanding of intellectual property management, including both patents and copyright
• The ability to understand a wide range of science and technology within the computer, engineering, chemical, or biological science industries
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and set work priorities with minimal supervision over regular work activities
• An ability to establish and manage many projects and relationships simultaneously across a broad range of innovations and markets
• The ability to interact with both academic scientists and business executives
• Demonstrated familiarity with intellectual property licensing and technology commercialization in industry or academic setting
• A strong team-oriented focus
• Ability to build rapport and trust with faculty and colleagues
• Excellent oral and written communication