Senior Associate Director for Licensing and Strategic Alliances
Stanford University
Application
Details
Posted: 27-Feb-25
Location: Stanford, California
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 106046
SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION:
Dean of Research / Office of Technology Licensing: The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) was established in 1970 to manage the intellectual property assets of Stanford University. OTL evaluates, markets, and licenses technology owned by the University. OTL's mission is to encourage effective technology transfer for the public benefit as well as generating royalty income for Stanford to benefit research and education. OTL is one of the country's most active offices in the field of technology transfer from the university to industry. Our staff, most of whom are professionals engaged directly in licensing, manages over 3,000 active dockets.
Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:
We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) at Stanford University is seeking a highly qualified and dynamic professional to join our team as the Senior Associate Director for Licensing and Strategic Alliances. This leadership position offers a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of life sciences technology licensing and research collaborations within the university.
In this role, you will lead a team of licensing and strategic alliances associates and managers within the life sciences group. Your primary responsibilities will include developing and maintaining alliances at Stanford, encompassing in- and out-licensing, as well as negotiating and managing research collaborations with both non-profit and for-profit entities. Collaborating closely with OTL leadership, internal teams, and external stakeholders, you will ensure transparent communication and build consensus on contracts and agreements. A key aspect of your role will be monitoring Stanford's contractual intellectual property (IP) and other obligations to ensure the productivity and success of licenses and alliances.
Additionally, you will engage in traditional technology transfer activities, such as managing inventions, developing licensing opportunities and strategies, negotiating agreement terms and conditions, and overseeing patent-related activities. This position requires significant expertise in negotiation strategies, technology market assessment, IP protection and licensing, and a thorough understanding of contracts and grants related to alliances. You will also spearhead initiatives aimed at improving licensing, strategic alliances, and policy processes, ensuring streamlined operations and adherence to best practices.
We are seeking candidates with a proven track record in negotiating both licensing and strategic alliance agreements. If you are a forward-thinking professional passionate about driving innovation through strategic collaborations, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
This is a 100% FTE, benefits-eligible hybrid position, requiring on-site presence at least two days per week, with additional days as necessary. All final candidates must complete a background check. For consideration, please submit your resume.
CORE DUTIES:
Direct staff and provide leadership to achieve goals and vision of the organization. Responsible for hiring and retaining staff, career coaching, professional development and accountable for the performance of Licensing Associates, Licensing Liaisons, and other functional groups as assigned.
Develop and direct strategic plans for organization or program(s) managed. May develop multi-year business plans. Identify and resolve strategic issues of substantial significance that affect the overall functioning beyond the immediate unit, consult and advise with Executive Director.
Ensure the effectiveness of the particular licensing unit's organizational structure and programs to foster success, development of employees and appropriate use of staff resources.
Evaluate commercial assessment of new invention disclosures (initial review; meeting with inventor(s); identify industry reviews; make contact, send materials, follow up; collect evaluation information; make decisions and provide necessary notifications). Conduct intellectual property assessment: make decisions regarding patent related activities include selection of attorney and approval of attorney bills.
Develop and implement licensing strategy (identify potential licensees, negotiate terms, draft agreements, and close the deal). Monitor license agreements and maintain close relations with licensees (ensure compliance with diligence terms; monitor progress of licensee's development efforts and prepare and execute amendments).
Manage portfolio of a large caseload of unlicensed and licensed cases, including financial oversight of such cases. Responsible for managing relationships with inventors and outside entities, including potential licensees, licensees, lawyers, sponsors.
Work with the Co-Associate Director to ensure that consistency is maintained across the organization.
Advise Executive Director on programmatic and policy development for licensing activities. May provide input to university leadership on institutional administrative policies and guidelines.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in a life sciences discipline and fifteen years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Strongly Preferred Experience:
Degree in life sciences and ten or more years of experience working in an academic, health science, or biotechnology organization strongly preferred. MA/MS degree or PhD in Biological Sciences preferred.
Demonstrated experience working within the research environment at a major university or institute or private industry; and ability to work with a variety of public institutions and the capacity to produce creative and innovative solutions and approaches to common problems especially as they related to intellectual property and licensing.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Excellent interpersonal, oral, written, and presentation skills.
Strong customer relationship skills, consensus building skills and the ability to cultivate and maintain professional business partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to influence and neogiate with internal constituencies and external business partners.
Advanced ability to establish priorities, take ownership and leadership of time-sensitive and complex projects from inception to completion, including developing strategy, implementation and execution of tasks.
Advanced ability to independently exercise sound judgment and decision making, creativity, problem solving and critical analysis.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands.
Strong computer skills with ability to work with a variety of database systems; spreadsheets; reporting systems and electronic document management systems
Certifications and Licenses:
None.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
Occasionally use a telephone, stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, write by hand, sort, and file paperwork or parts.
Rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
* Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May have occasional extended or weekend work hours during peak business cycles.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
For On-site or Hybrid positions:
The expected pay range for this position is $198,078 to $240,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
