Coordinator, Invention Management

Lehigh University; Bethlehem (Northampton County); Hybrid; USD 44,600 - 53,530; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Lehigh University is looking for a full-time Coordinator for Invention Management within the Office of Vice Provost for Research. This position supports the Invention Disclosure process, works closely with faculty researchers, and involves legal research, administrative coordination, and database management.

Qualified candidates should have an Associates degree (Bachelor’s preferred) and 3-5 years of experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities, with a vibrant campus environment enhancing collaboration.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of related experience required.
• Basic understanding of various contracts used in university research.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage documentation for patent filings.
• Direct patent law firms and manage legal communications.
• Collect prior art information for due diligence.
• Manage patent maintenance fees and royalty payments.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Strong organizational skills

Understanding of intellectual property

Knowledge of patents

Familiarity with contract processes

Education

Associates or Vocational/Technical Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Professional Paralegal Certification

Job description

Apply now Job no: 503886

Work type: Nonexempt Staff Full-time

Location: Partial Remote, Bethlehem

Categories: Administrative Services

Coordinator, Invention Management – Office of Vice Provost for Research

Join Lehigh University’s Office of Technology Transfer and play a key role in supporting groundbreaking research innovation. This full‑time, nonexempt position offers the opportunity to work directly with faculty researchers and contribute to the commercialization of cutting‑edge discoveries.

About the Opportunity

As Coordinator of Invention Management, you will provide essential support for Lehigh’s Invention Disclosure process, working closely with faculty researchers and the Office of Technology Transfer. This position combines legal research, administrative coordination, and database management to facilitate the protection and commercialization of university innovations.

Position Number: S73620

Grade: 8 - 37.5 with an approximate salary range of $44,600‑$53,530, subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares and manages all documentation required for initial and subsequent patent filings, including drafting government support clauses based on federal funding data and preparing assignments and declarations for inventor signatures.
• Directs patent law firms on upcoming filings, communicates strategic patent decisions, and coordinates with external legal counsel regarding all patent‑related billing matters.
• Manages the due diligence process by collecting prior art information, such as journal papers and existing patents, directly from university inventors.
• Responds to legal requests from patent counsel by securing necessary inventor data, residential addresses, and executed signatures to ensure compliance throughout the patent lifecycle.
• Maintains and manages the Invention Disclosure Form (IDF) process, ensuring all technical information is completed and proper inventor signatures are secured from faculty and students.
• Manages the Wellspring (Inteum) database and iEdison platform to log, track, and retrieve data regarding invention details, patent lifecycles, licensing agreements and mandatory federal reporting.
• Ensures timely tracking and handling of patent maintenance fees and royalty payments, prepares vendor invoices for payment and coordinates check requests for revenue distributions to inventors.
• Serves as the point of contact for external commercialization assistance companies regarding invention marketing activities and assists in evaluating proprietary intellectual property management software.
• Processes patent law firm invoices, check requests for inventor revenue distributions and Express Software Licenses, while ensuring timely tracking of scheduled patent maintenance fees and royalty payments.
• Manages end‑to‑end logistics for conferences, events and external company visits, coordinates travel arrangements for faculty and administrators and maintains the departmental website, office supply inventory and financial tracking systems.

Qualifications

• Associates or Vocational/Technical Degree in a related field; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Professional Paralegal Certification is strongly preferred.
• Three to five years of related experience.
• Understanding of intellectual property, patents, copyrights and the patent application filing process.
• Basic understanding of various contracts used in university research and technology activities.
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational skills.

Why Choose Lehigh University

Lehigh University offers an exceptional work environment where innovation thrives. As a leading research institution we provide comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans and professional development opportunities. Our beautiful campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania fosters collaboration between world‑class faculty, staff and students. You’ll join a community committed to academic excellence and research advancement with access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and resources. Lehigh values work‑life balance and offers competitive compensation packages that recognize your contributions to our mission.

A comprehensive benefit package for you and those you care about.

Special Considerations

• The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh’s Accommodations Specialist.

Background Checks

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Equal Opportunity and Affiliation Statement

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national origin (including shared ancestry), pregnancy or related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. Lehigh University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and seeks qualified candidates who wish to contribute to the university’s mission.

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Laws

LCA Notices of Intent to Hire H‑1B/E‑3 Employees

In compliance with U.S. Department of Labor requirements and pursuant to 20 CFR 655.734, Lehigh University provides notices of intent to hire non‑immigrant workers in the H‑1B and E‑3 visa classifications. Please note candidates have already been selected to fill the positions; the Notice of Intent to Hire is not a posting for an open position.