Senior Tech Transfer & Licensing Lead

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Technology Manager at Montana State University’s Office of Research leads technology transfer efforts, helping MSU researchers identify, protect, and license intellectual property to industry. Reporting to the Director of the Technology Transfer Office, the role emphasizes collaboration with engineering, physics, and software domains on campus and with external partners, on-site in Bozeman, MT.

The position requires strong experience in IP strategy, market research, licensing

Qualifications

• Masters in engineering, physics, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• A minimum of five years of experience in a technology-driven company.
• Demonstrated understanding of intellectual property, particularly patents.
• Demonstrated experience moving technology from R&D to the marketplace.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated collegiality and ability to work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate MSU technologies with potential licensing.
• Evaluate patent landscapes, IP, and market opportunities.
• Identify high-potential industry customers and build business cases.
• Engage target companies through outreach (email, phone, LinkedIn, conferences).
• Assist MSU startups with customer discovery, market research, and commercialization plans.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and track Licensing/Research/Inter-Institutional/Sponsored Research Agreements.
• Communicate with sponsors or collaborators to complete contracts.
• Maintain and update records in the TTO database.

Skills

Technology transfer understanding

Communication skills

Relationship building

Market research

IP licensing

Team collaboration

Education

Masters in engineering/physics

PhD preferred

Job description

The Senior Technology Manager at Montana State University’s Office of Research leads technology transfer efforts, helping MSU researchers identify, protect, and license intellectual property to industry. Reporting to the Director of the Technology Transfer Office, the role emphasizes collaboration with engineering, physics, and software domains on campus and with external partners, on-site in Bozeman, MT.

The position requires strong experience in IP strategy, market research, licensing