Technology Licensing Associate

Washington State University; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Vacation leave

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

Retirement

Deferred compensation

Training and development

Employee tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University seeks a Technology Licensing Associate to identify, evaluate, market, and license university inventions. You will represent the Office of Research in collaboration with inventors, patent counsel, and industry partners to maximize IP value.

The role emphasizes contract management, negotiation, and cross-functional coordination to advance commercialization of research outcomes. Collaborative, detail-oriented professionals are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in business, law, physical or biological science, or engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree with three years of directly related work experience in technology transfer/IP management.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate inventions and manage patent prosecution with outside counsel.
• Marketing and licensing of university inventions.
• Manage portfolio of licenses, options, and IP agreements.
• Perform related duties and ensure contractual compliance.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Prioritization

Technical evaluation

Education

Graduate degree in business, physical/biological science, or engineering

Bachelor’s Degree + 3 years related IP/tech transfer experience

Job description

Available Title(s)

1200-NN_ADMINPRO - Technology Licensing Associate, 1200-YN_ADMINPRO - Technology Licensing Associate

Business Title

Technology Licensing Associate

Employee Type

Admin. Professional

The Opportunity

The Office of Research at Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for advancing the research enterprise at WSU systemwide. The Office of Research facilitates all aspects of the research from pre-award to compliance, advancement, development, and commercialization. The Office of Research amplifies WSU's land-grant mission by partnering with the university community, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and grow the positive impact of WSU research for the state, region, and nation.

A Technology Licensing Associate (TLA) is responsible for identifying, evaluating, marketing, and licensing inventions made by Washington State University (WSU) inventors. With delegated authority, a TLA represents the Office of Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship team, in working with inventors, outside patent counsel and industry to ensure that the commercial potential of WSU inventions is preserved and that the quality and quantity of the intellectual property portfolio is enhanced. A TLA is responsible for the overall management of agreement/contracts. This includes preparation and negotiation, full execution, and monitoring of existing agreements for contractual compliance. Types of agreements/contracts include licenses, options, material transfer agreements, confidential disclosure agreements, and interinstitutional agreements. A TLA works closely with WSU inventors and administrators, outside patent counsel, licensing attorneys, and industry representatives in the conduct of technology transfer activities.

Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions

• Evaluation of Inventions and Management of Patent Prosecution by Outside Patent Counsel – 40%
• Marketing & Licensing – 35%
• Manage Portfolio – 15%
• Related Duties – 5%
• Other – 5%

Additional Information

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent position. Overtime eligibility will be determined upon salary placement.

Monthly Salary: $5,485.73 - $8,402.20 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

Required Qualifications

• Positions require a graduate degree in business, law, a physical or biological science, or an engineering discipline, OR, a Bachelor’s Degree and three years of directly related work experience in the fields of technology transfer or intellectual property management.
• Graduate degree in physical science field such as: Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or other physical science discipline.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Experience establishing priorities.
• Experience managing multiple projects and bringing extended projects to completion.
• Ability to understand and evaluate physical sciences and engineering innovations.

Preferred Qualifications

• A PhD in business, physical science, engineering or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in marketing, sales, licensing, negotiating and/or business development, and significant record of successful technology transfer involving physical sciences, advanced materials, chemistry, energy, manufacturing, devices, instrumentation, photonics, semiconductors, engineering systems, software-enabled hardware, or related fields.
• An additional two (2) years experience working with intellectual properties administration or technology transfer.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures relating to intellectual properties within a research university setting.
• Knowledge of university intellectual property policies, U.S. patent law, copyright law, contract law, and university-industry technology transfer trends.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

Department

Area/College: Office of Research Department Name: Innovation & Entrepreneurship team Location: Pullman, WA

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type & Position Term

Full time Position Term: 12 Month

Equal Opportunity Statement

WSU encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/