LICENSING & CONTRACTS OFFICER

The Scripps Research Institute; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer contributed retirement plan

Health and welfare plans

On-site parking

Job summary

The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA, is seeking a Licensing & Contracts Officer to support drafting, review, and negotiation of contracts enabling technology transfer to the commercial sector.

Requires a biology/chemistry background, strong contracting experience, and excellent communication. On-site with some flexible remote work; 4 days per week on campus with 1 day remote allowed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological or chemical sciences; PhD or advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Experience contracting; ability to assist with legal reviews.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates strategic relationships and partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, research funding organizations, and foundations.
• Conducts meetings and presentations with potential licensees and investors.
• Drafts and negotiates term sheets and contracts (License Agreements, Sponsored Research Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements).
• Researches and drafts initial licensing terms based on market insights and internal input.
• Collaborates with Legal and OTD to support pre-execution phase of agreements and exhibits.

Skills

Contracting experience

Legal reviews

Project management

Communication skills

Technology transfer understanding

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological or chemical sciences

Advanced degree strongly preferred (PhD)

Job description

ABOUT US

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

POSITION TITLE

Licensing & Contracts Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Licensing and Contracting Officer is responsible for supporting the drafting, review, and negotiation of various contracts to facilitate technology transfer and licensing between Scripps Research and the commercial sector.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Facilitates strategic relationships and partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, research funding organizations, and foundations across diverse research areas at Scripps Research.
• Conducts meetings and presentations with potential licensees and investors.
• Drafts and negotiates term sheets and a wide variety of contracts, including but not limited to License Agreements, Sponsored Research Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, and Confidentiality Agreements.
• Researches and drafts initial licensing terms based on market insights and input from internal stakeholders.
• Works with Legal and OTD functions to support pre-execution phase of agreements by ensuring accuracy of information in exhibits, assignments, patent expenses, and participation agreements.
• Manages existing licensing agreements and relationships with licensees and ensures compliance by sourcing progress reports, tracking financial and non financial milestones, new IP and communicating with stakeholders on the rights and obligations of parties involved.
• Reviews and modifies or amends active agreements; serves as liaison between investigators and industry.
• Markets selected new technologies to potential partners (companies and funds) as assigned to drive commercialization of these technologies.
• Evaluates and records new technology disclosures submitted by investigators to ensure contractual compliance with any funding or collaborative research agreements.
• Manages compliance reporting, including reporting to federal agencies and foundations.
• Provides input to investigators and other departments across the organization regarding technology transfer, intellectual property, licensing, and other related topics on an ongoing basis and through multiple communication channels.
• Assists director as Licensing and Transactions' point of contact for internal labs/departments.
• Maintains the completeness and accuracy of OTD records and work products in repositories and databases. Prepares periodic reports as requested.
• Drafts, implements, and continually monitors standard operating procedures related to Licensing and Transactions and role to ensure efficient and effective operations and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree (PhD or other advanced degree strongly preferred) in biological or chemical science; experience with drug discovery and development workflow a plus.
• Contracting, Legal experience preferred. Ability to provide assistance with legal reviews.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
• Highly motivated, creative, and goal-oriented with strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Experience analyzing legal documents, including technology licensing agreements and sponsored research contracts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and with databases for storing and managing information.
• Specialized training in intellectual property and contract administration preferred.
• Understanding of technology transfer and technology valuation principles and procedures.
• The ability to develop a thorough understanding of government regulations, requirements, and obligations as they apply to technology transfer.
• Must work well in a fast-paced environment, possess a cooperative can-do attitude, and be able to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.

COMPENSATION

The expected hiring range for this position is $95,000 to $138,000/annually, commensurate with experience.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

DISCLAIMER

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.