Licensing and Business Development Officer

Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is seeking a Licensing and Business Development Officer in the Technology Licensing Office to manage MIT’s IP portfolio, evaluate technologies, market opportunities, and coordinate with faculty and industry to license rights.

This hybrid role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least five years in university tech transfer licensing; strong negotiation, communications, and project management skills; a Master’s or PhD is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in scientific, technical or business field.
• At least five years licensing experience in university tech transfer or related.
• Experience in developing IP licensing strategies and marketing plans.
• Strong verbal and written communications and stakeholder interaction.
• Excellent organization, detail-orientation, and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of MIT IP licenses through evaluation, marketing, outreach, and deal term creation.
• Coordinate with Transactions, IP Portfolio Managers, Compliance, Operations and Finance teams.
• Draft and negotiate license agreements and disseminate IP rights.
• Collaborate with faculty and industry partners to advance licensing opportunities.

Skills

Licensing experience

Communication skills

Negotiation

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in scientific/technical or business field

Advanced degree (Masters/PhD/MBA) preferred

Job description

Posting Description

L ICENSING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, Technology Licensing Office , is responsible for the commercialization of MIT’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio arising from research and other activities on MIT’s campus. The Licensing Officer manages an assigned portfolio of cases, including, technology evaluation, marketing, outreach to faculty and industry, business deal term creation, and distribution of IP rights through license agreements and other IP dissemination mechanisms; and collaborates closely and coordinates with other TLO staff throughout the lifecycle of the technology including Transactions, IP Portfolio Managers, Compliance, Operations and Finance teams.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED : Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in scientific, technical or business field; a minimum of five years’ licensing experience in university technology transfer or federal laboratory or FFRDC involving responsibility for management of an IP portfolio including licensing, agreement management, developing IP strategies, and marketing and commercialization plans; evidence of business relationships within the specific sector of relevance to the role; experience in establishing license deal terms and negotiating license agreements; superior verbal and written communications skills and ability to interact capably with a variety of stakeholders; strong organisational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; excellent problem-solving, judgement, and decision-making skills; strong interpersonal skills that reflect courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to develop and maintain effective working relationships; proven ability to grasp licensing, legal and business issues as relates to University technology licensing; ability to work independently and as a member of a team, and to exercise good judgment, prioritization, and discretion in the performance of all work assignments; ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, matrix like environment and manage a large workload; and U.S citizenship or legal permanent resident status. PREFERRED: Advanced degree such as a Masters, PhD. and/or MBA; demonstrated maturity and sensitivity to the needs of multiple stakeholders in a complex academic environment; knowledge of intellectual property, high level of business acumen, detailed understanding of issues arising at the intersection of US Government and academia or experience within a university, not for profit research institution, hospital, or tech transfer setting.

This is a hybrid position. Tuesday and Wednesday are the TLO in-office core days; additional in-office days are expected to meet business needs.

8/3/2026