Technology Manager

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a Technology Manager for NUtech Ventures in Lincoln, NE. This role involves identifying and managing invention disclosures, developing licensing strategies, and commercializing university innovations. Applicants should have a master’s degree in a life sciences field or a J.D., with at least one year of relevant experience. Excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of technology transfer are essential for success. This position offers a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a life sciences field or J.D. with a life sciences degree.
• One year of experience in technology transfer, licensing, or business development.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of intellectual property and assess commercial potential.
• Build relationships with researchers to identify technologies with commercial potential.
• Negotiate and draft technology access agreements.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Project management

Technology transfer knowledge

Education

Master’s degree in a life sciences field

J.D. and a life sciences degree

Job description

Position Summary

NUtech Ventures (NUtech) is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln affiliate that facilitates the transfer of university innovations from the lab to the marketplace. NUtech is seeking a highly motivated professional to serve as a Technology Manager on its Licensing team. This position is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and managing invention disclosures, developing licensing strategies, interacting with University researchers, and successfully commercializing University intellectual property (IP). Candidates should have a deep knowledge of technology transfer and the ability to maintain productive relationships with university inventors and industry representatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage a substantial portfolio of intellectual property, screening invention disclosures, and assessing their commercial potential.
• Build strong relationships with University researchers to identify technologies/inventions with commercial potential in a broad field related to the individual’s technical background.
• Develop marketing strategies, identify potential licenses, and build a network of industry experts to partner with.
• Perform licensing responsibilities – negotiate and draft appropriate technology access agreements (term sheets, license agreements, option agreements, etc.).
• Participate in NUtech outreach efforts to educate University researchers on the commercialization process and technology transfer.
• Formulate patent strategies with the NUtech IP team to secure protection for University intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights).
• Assist NUtech’s entrepreneurship team in their efforts to develop and support UNL’s entrepreneurial culture.
• Assist NUtech’s compliance manager with monitoring licensee compliance and performance.
• Help manage and direct a team of student interns and technology commercialization fellows with tasks related to technology commercialization activities.
• Work as an integral part of a team contributing to the ongoing evolution of NUtech Ventures in its mission of commercializing University intellectual property and driving economic development for the University.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

Creativity, self-motivation, and the use of data to make decisions are NUtech’s strategic anchors. Technology Managers must be able to conceive, lead, and accomplish goals and tasks independently. The ability to make decisions with available and sometimes limited information and then clearly communicate those decisions to innovators in a timely manner is critical to success. Technology Managers must be able to manage a variety of complex projects concurrently in a sometimes ambiguous and rapidly changing business environment. Strong communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work on a team are essential. Technology Managers have the opportunity to work in a flexible team-based environment, with opportunities for travel and professional development.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a life sciences field (e.g. Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Microbiology or Molecular Biology); OR a J.D. and a life sciences degree.
• One year of experience in technology transfer, licensing, business development, or a similar field.
• Proficient and interested in understanding broad life science innovation.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Due to federal policies related to intellectual property (IP), the successful candidate must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a life sciences field.
• Working knowledge of intellectual property and laws governing technology transfer.
• At least three (3) years of experience in technology transfer, licensing, business development, or a similar field.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and establish a network with university researchers and industry partners.

Location

Lincoln, NE

Equity and Inclusion

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.