Working/Functional Title

Technology Manager - Physical Sciences

Position Summary

MSU Technologies (MSUT) Intellectual Property Officers are Technology Managers who provide high quality licensing strategy development and execution; outreach to industry, entrepreneurs and others interested in commercializing University technology; negotiation of business terms of license agreements; assessments of the background on the technology’s developmental and marketing needs; and development and maintenance of productive relationships with faculty inventors and corporate representatives to build a pipeline of disclosures and licenses.  Under the supervision of the Associate Director, this position manages technologies in the field of physical sciences but remains flexible in order to handle technologies across all disciplines as needs arise within MSUT. This is a hybrid position, requiring that the successful candidate work onsite at the MSUT office a minimum of three times per week after a three-month period of onsite work. The salary range offered for this opportunity is $60,111 - $130,000 commensurate with experience. 

This position offers the opportunity to: 

• Develop and manage strong relationships with faculty inventors and prospective inventors.
• Develop partnerships with department heads.
• Triage and evaluate invention disclosures, both independently as well as with the MSUT commercialization interns and mentors-in-residence.
• Manage intellectual property protection, including developing strategies and interacting with MSU Office of the General Counsel and outside attorneys.
• License MSU technologies including: identify and qualify licensees; develop and execute marketing strategies and plans; draft business terms for license agreements; negotiate and execute license agreements.
• Manage existing agreements and ongoing relationships with licensees in partnership with the MSUT Agreement Compliance team.
• Attend training and professional development courses.
• Participate in and represent MSU/MSUT at conferences and seminars conducted by the University, Unit, and/or professional organizations.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in physical sciences, engineering, copyright or a related technical field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in physical or biological science, engineering, medicine or a related technical field; experience in the management and development of intellectual property, including knowledge of United States and foreign patent and licensing laws and regulations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in a relevant technical discipline and related work experience in engineering, physical sciences or copyright is preferred. Knowledge of intellectual property is highly desirable. Demonstration of the following attributes is preferred: self-starter, works well with others, pays close attention to detail, ability to prioritize, and follows through on tasks. Ability to manage/coordinate multiple tasks and to work successfully with academic scholars, entrepreneurs, industry executives and staff. Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please include resume, cover letter, and three professional references with your application.

Special Instructions

To learn about the mission of MSU Technologies and the Innovation Center, please view our website (https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/tech-transfer-commercialization/).  

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/tech-tr

Bidding eligibility ends January 28, 2025, 11:55 PM

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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