OTC Assistant Director – Life Sciences

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University’s Office for Translation & Commercialization (OTC) invites applications for Assistant Director, Life Sciences. This role leads licensing strategies, markets University technologies, and oversees patent filings while partnering with faculty, industry leaders, and investors to move discoveries from concept to market.

The position emphasizes life sciences expertise, strategic negotiation, and cross‑functional collaboration within an academic and corporate culture.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biological/life sciences, engineering or business administration.
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in technology transfer or licensing.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience engaging with academia, industry, and investors.

Responsibilities

• Encourage and evaluate technology disclosures for patentability and licensing potential.
• Create marketing and licensing strategies that maximize technology commercialization potential.
• Market technologies to potential licensees.
• Oversee the filing and management of patent applications.
• Negotiate, draft, and implement license, option, non-disclosure, and other agreements under the supervision of the Managing Director.
• Work with other OTC team members to advance technology transfer goals at the University.
• Manage ongoing relationships with licensees and ensure license compliance.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Skills

Lifesci knowledge

Negotiation skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Date: Jul 21, 2026

Be You. At Duke. Office for Translation & Commercialization (OTC) Duke University

At Duke University, innovation doesn't stop in the lab. The Office for Translation & Commercialization (OTC) helps transform groundbreaking discoveries into products, therapies, and technologies that improve lives around the world. We partner with faculty, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to advance discoveries from concept to commercialization.

If you are passionate about life sciences, intellectual property, business strategy, and bringing research innovations to market, we invite you to join our team as an Assistant Director, Life Sciences.

What You’ll Do

• Encourage and evaluate technology disclosures for patentability and licensing potential.
• Create marketing and licensing strategies that maximize technology commercialization potential.
• Market technologies to potential licensees.
• Oversee the filing and management of patent applications.
• Negotiate, draft, and implement license, option, non-disclosure, and other agreements under the supervision of the Managing Director.
• Work with other members of the OTC team to further the goals and objectives of technology transfer at the University.
• Manage ongoing relationship with licensees and license compliance.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

What We're Looking For

Education

• Work requires a Master’s degree preferably in biological/life sciences, engineering/physical sciences, computing sciences/information technology or business administration.

Experience

Work requires five years of directly related experience OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

Preferred Skills

Knowledge of and/or experience in a biological/life science (highly preferred); excellent interpersonal skills; written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures; ability to interact with scientists, research sponsors, industry representatives and patent attorneys; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment; to work under pressure with tight deadlines; business experience in negotiations, contracts, and new technology commercialization; highly self-motivated professional with exceptional sales, marketing and negotiating skills; experience in evaluating the commercial potential of early stage technology, and to effectively communicate the commercialization vision; detail oriented with ability to work on multiple projects at the same time; knowledge of intellectual property law and licensing practices; high degree of energy and enthusiasm.

Work Location

• This position requires an on-site presence at Duke University; remote work is not permitted.

Why Duke?

At Duke, we are driven by collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. We believe our greatest strength is our people and the diverse perspectives they bring to our community. Together we are advancing discoveries that make a meaningful impact on society and improve quality of life around the world.

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender,gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built oncollaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke aspires to create a community built oncollaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Your total compensation goesbeyond the dollars on your paycheck.

• Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs
• generous retirement benefits
• a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members

Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.