Technology Manager

Montana State University; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University is seeking a Technology Manager within TechLink to lead licensing and partnership development for DoW/VA laboratories and to set up CRADAs with industry partners. The role involves working with TechLink staff and progressing toward independence in licensing responsibilities.

Regular travel to laboratories and conferences is expected, with compliance to federal tech transfer regulations and export controls.

Qualifications

• Master's or higher degree in a science or engineering field plus at least one year in technology transfer, R&D, product development, business development, or technology marketing.
• PhD preferred and CPL certification are advantageous for licensing negotiations and regulatory navigation.
• Knowledge of US patent law, copyright, trademark, and Bayh-Dole is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Review newly issued patents, patent applications, and invention information to identify technologies with industry partnership potential.
• Write business case materials for opportunities using invention records and inventor interviews.
• Research and identify strong prospective industry partners and engage them through email, phone, and other direct outreach.
• Support evaluation of opportunities and arrange the agreements needed to transfer materials, prototypes, or assets.
• Guide prospects in preparing license applications and documentation meeting federal tech transfer regulations and sponsor expectations.
• Keep accurate records in CRM systems and other databases; stay current on relevant IP portfolios.
• Frequent travel to DoW laboratories, VA centers, conferences, and tradeshows; navigate export control requirements.

Skills

Technology transfer

Business development

Industry outreach

License negotiations

CRADA development

Education

Master's or higher in science/engineering

Certified Licensing Professional

PhD preferred

Job description

Montana State University is hiring a Technology Manager. The role sits in TechLink, the university's technology transfer center, and helps US Department of War and Department of Veterans Affairs laboratories license their patented inventions to US companies and set up cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs) with industry partners. The manager works closely with other TechLink staff and gains independence in licensing and partnership development over time.

Highlights

• Review newly issued patents, published patent applications, and other invention information from Department of War and VA laboratories to identify technologies with industry partnership potential.
• Write business case materials on each opportunity, drawing on invention records and interviews with the inventors.
• Research and identify strong prospective industry partners, then engage them through email, phone, and other direct outreach.
• Support prospects through evaluation of an opportunity, including mediating discussions with inventors and arranging the agreements needed to transfer materials, prototypes, or other assets.
• Guide prospects in preparing license applications and agreement documentation that meets federal technology transfer regulations, legal requirements, and sponsor expectations.
• Keep accurate records in customer relationship management software and other databases, and stay current on the assigned Department of War, VA, or MSU intellectual property portfolios.
• Master's or other advanced degree in a science or engineering field such as materials science, electrical engineering, chemistry, or biomedical engineering (or equivalent education and experience), plus at least one year in technology transfer, R&D, product development, business development, or technology marketing.
• Preferred qualifications include a PhD, Certified Licensing Professional certification, and experience negotiating license terms, along with knowledge of US patent law, copyright, trademark, and Bayh-Dole.
• Pay of $105,000 to $115,000 annually, with four full-time positions open.
• Regular travel to Department of War laboratories, VA Medical Centers, conferences, and tradeshows; the role must comply with US export control laws, which may require proof of US person status, and flexible work arrangements may be considered.