Intellectual Property Manager Technology Commercialization

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage

PTO and holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Job summary

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking an Intellectual Property Manager to support invention assessment, patent strategies, and portfolio stewardship within Technology Commercialization. The role emphasizes collaboration with academics, industry, and investors to translate discoveries into real-world applications.

Responsibilities include evaluating disclosures, developing filing strategies, managing IP portfolios, and coordinating with transaction teams to support licensing opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree is required.
• PhD in a biological science field is preferred.
• Four years of experience in intellectual property assessment/protection or technology transfer; with PhD, three years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate invention disclosures for patentability, technical merit, and alignment with IP objectives.
• Develop and present patent filing strategies with inventors and stakeholders.
• Lead stewardship of assigned IP portfolios through full lifecycle management.
• Coordinate with transaction teams to ensure IP portfolios support licensing and partnerships.
• Align portfolio structure with downstream commercialization strategies and stakeholder needs.
• Facilitate collaboration between internal and external partners; educate on IP practices.
• Analyze filing trends, research activity, and investment focus areas to inform portfolio planning.

Education

Master's Degree in a scientific, business, or healthcare related field

PhD in a biological science related field

Job description

UT MD Anderson is seeking a Intellectual Property Manager to support innovation, intellectual property development, and commercialization efforts within Technology Commercialization. The individual will play a key role in building relationships across academic, industry, and investor communities to advance the transfer of new technologies into real-world applications. The individual is responsible for cultivating collaboration and enabling an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive.

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The organization is committed to translating scientific discoveries into impactful solutions, and the Intellectual Property Manager will contribute directly to this mission by supporting efficient and strategic intellectual property management and commercialization pathways.

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, the Manager, Licensing contributes to a mission-driven environment dedicated to advancing breakthroughs in cancer research and care. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of science, innovation, and commercialization, supporting meaningful discoveries while developing expertise in intellectual property strategy and partnership development. Employees benefit from an environment that values professional growth, collaboration, and work-life balance.

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

Technology Assessment

• Evaluate invention disclosures within assigned portfolios for patentability, technical merit, and alignment with institutional intellectual property objectives
• Develop and present recommendations on patent filing strategies in collaboration with inventors and stakeholders
• Assess innovation potential and recommend portfolio development approaches

IP Portfolio Stewardship

• Lead stewardship of assigned intellectual property portfolios through full lifecycle management
• Develop filing strategies and oversee prosecution activities
• Optimize portfolio value and alignment with long-term institutional objectives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with transaction teams to ensure IP portfolios support licensing and partnership opportunities
• Align portfolio structure with downstream commercialization strategies
• Facilitate collaboration between internal stakeholders and external partners

Education and Outreach

• Support faculty-focused education initiatives related to invention disclosures
• Deliver or assist with workshops on intellectual property practices and considerations
• Promote awareness of commercialization pathways within the academic environment

Data & Reporting

• Analyze filing trends, research activity, and investment focus areas to inform portfolio planning
• Prepare reports summarizing portfolio activity and strategic insights
• Support data-driven decision-making for intellectual property management

Education

• Required: Master's Degree in a scientific, business, or healthcare related field.
• Preferred: PhD in a biological science related field.

Experience

• Required: Four years in intellectual property assessment/protection or technology transfer. With preferred degree PhD, three years of experience in intellectual property assessment/protection or technology transfer.
• Preferred: Experience in technology transfer, IP management, or patent strategy; Exposure to patent prosecution; Demonstrated involvement in licensing, startups, or commercialization; Strong communication and stakeholder management experience.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information