Patent Manager

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Patent Manager to join their Intellectual Property team. This role involves evaluating technologies, managing patent filings, and collaborating with inventors and legal counsel to protect innovative assets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in patent law and technology transfer, along with excellent organizational and communication skills. Join a dynamic environment where your expertise will contribute to groundbreaking research and development. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the field of technology transfer.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401K

Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)

Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs

Qualifications

• A patent attorney or agent with 3 years experience in technology transfer required.
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. patent, copyright, and contract law is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage patent filing and prosecution, working with inventors and outside counsel.
• Oversee the Laboratory's patent portfolio and monitor budget compliance.

Skills

Patent Law

Technology Transfer

Negotiation

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Confidentiality

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science, Physical Science, or Engineering

Master's Degree in Related Field

JD or Patent Agent Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) facilitates and oversees technology transfer to government and industry, fosters collaborative research with the private sector, and manages the Laboratory’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio. In order to support the creation of increased transfer opportunities in complex federal and private-sector landscapes, the Laboratory is seeking a Patent Manager to work under the mentorship and guidance of members of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). This position will be joining the Intellectual Property (IP) team to facilitate the protection of Lincoln Laboratory’s innovative technology assets, which serve as the foundation for technology transfers ranging from commercial licenses, collaborative research agreements, transfers for government use, open-source releases, and more.

Job Summary

The Patent Manager will be responsible for technology evaluations, managing patent filing and prosecution by outside legal counsel, reviewing protection strategies for patented and patent-pending technologies as well as for software and other technology assets, and monitoring patent-related expenditures for budget compliance. The Patent Manager will work closely with inventors and administrators, outside patent counsel, technology managers, and licensing officers to oversee and manage the Laboratory’s patent portfolio; together with the technology management team, providing guidance to inventors during patent filing and prosecution; managing the patent docket to ensure timely responses to patent deadlines; overseeing the financial management of the patent portfolio by monitoring patent invoicing and reimbursement.

Requirements

• A patent attorney (JD) or patent agent is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a biological science, physical science, or engineering with a broad technical knowledge base and three (3) years of experience in technology transfer. A master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one year of the required experience. An advanced degree in law, business, engineering, or science is preferred.
• A background in marketing, sales, licensing, negotiating, and/or business development, and significant record of successful technology transfer in areas of physical science, engineering, software, and devices.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures relating to intellectual properties within a research university setting.
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. patent, copyright, and contract law.
• Experience managing a patent portfolio.
• Experience reviewing patent invoices.
• Knowledge of current trends in university/industry technology transfer.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to effectively handle shifting priorities and adapt to changing demands in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in an open work environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Education may not be substituted for the experience requirement.
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently within an administrative office.
• 3-5 years experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

The following skills or attributes are highly desired:

• Experience/knowledge of Bayh-Dole Act.
• Reporting requirements for federally-funded inventions and patents.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
• MIT-funded pension.
• Matching 401K.
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.).
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.