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The Opportunity: Technology Licensing Officer 

Join the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), consistently ranked as the top private research university globally since 2012 according to the QS Universities World Universities Rankings. Located in the heart of Cambridge, within a vibrant intellectual atmosphere and a flourishing innovation ecosystem, MIT offers an unparalleled environment for professional growth and development. As a Technology Licensing Officer within the Technology Licensing Office (TLO) at MIT, you will play a pivotal role in commercializing groundbreaking technologies and contribute to the university’s legacy of academic excellence since 1861. This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum in-office presence on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

 Key responsibilities include:

• Empower Innovation: Evaluate technology disclosures, develop patent strategies, manage patent prosecution, and identify potential licensees, enabling the translation of MIT’s innovative ideas into real-world applications.
• Forge Collaborative Partnerships: Cultivate strong relationships with faculty inventors, corporate representatives, patent attorneys, and members of the MIT and Boston innovation community, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Provide Expert Guidance: Offer advice on technology commercialization processes, IP policy, and practice to faculty, students, and the broader MIT and Boston innovation community, ensuring the seamless dissemination of knowledge and IP assets.
• Strategic Portfolio Management: Manage a diverse portfolio of cases, strategize marketing approaches for commercialization, and develop compelling collateral to maximize the impact and reach of MIT’s inventions.
• IP Governance: Conduct diligence on IP ownership and sponsorship, collaborate with joint owners to execute IP management agreements, and monitor compliance with license agreement terms.
• Drive Startup Ecosystem: Facilitate the creation and growth of startups by engaging with the local innovation ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurial endeavors, and fostering connections between MIT inventions and established or spinout companies.
• Industry Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with industry leaders and venture capitalists, promoting the adoption and market growth of MIT inventions and contributing to the growth of technology-driven industries.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Provide supervision, mentorship, and guidance to a talented team of Technology Licensing Associates and administrative staff, fostering their professional development and empowering them to excel in their roles.

Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship is required for this position, with a willingness to obtain additional government security clearance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders, including faculty, students, legal professionals, and industry representatives.
• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring the efficient execution of licensing activities.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to address complex business, legal, and inter-organizational challenges, contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, reflecting courtesy, diplomacy, and a collaborative approach to building and maintaining effective relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Education: Minimum of a B.S. in Engineering, with preference given to candidates with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering or Optical Engineering. An advanced technical degree or MBA is preferred, although not required.

Experience:

• Seven or more years of direct experience in the physical sciences,  with at least five years in a non-laboratory/engineering role involving activities such as marketing, technology licensing, product management, business development, and contract negotiation. 
• Backgrounds specifically within Electrical Engineering or Optics preferred. 
• Prior experience in academic technology transfer is strongly preferred.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY SEND CV AND COVER LETTER VIA EMAIL TO: MCRUZ@TEKCAPITAL.COM

About Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The Vortechs Group matches exceptionally talented technology professionals with outstanding career opportunities. Founded in 1998, we are the leading search firm for organizations seeking Technical, Technology Transfer, and Intellectual Property candidates and staff. Our clients range from small start-up companies to large corporations, philanthropic organizations, universities, and academic research institutions throughout the United States and around the World. We pride ourselves in understanding clients’ needs and creating connections between employers and employees that are mutually rewarding. We are posting on behalf of our client.

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