Intellectual Property & Commercialization Associate

Job: Intellectual Property & Commercialization Associate
Location: Milwaukee WI
Organization: UWM Research Foundation

Join our team as an Intellectual Property & Commercialization Associate
Hybrid Full-Time Milwaukee WI

Help move cutting-edge university research from the lab to the marketplace.

The UWM Research Foundation (UWMRF) is seeking a curious highly organized and people-oriented professional to support the evaluation and commercialization of innovative technologies arising from UWMilwaukee research.

This role sits at the intersection of science intellectual property entrepreneurship and relationship management. You will work directly with researchers inventors attorneys entrepreneurs and industry partners to help advance early-stage discoveries into real-world impact.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who:

• Enjoys learning about new technologies and innovations
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with many moving pieces
• Can manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Is analytical adaptable and detail-oriented
• Enjoys working with people as much as ideas
• Wants hands-on exposure to patents licensing startups and innovation strategy

You will have visibility into the full commercialization process and play a role in everything from invention evaluation to patent support to licensing and startup development.

What Youll Do

Evaluate & Analyze New Technologies

• Conduct prior art searches and market research to assess novelty patentability and commercial potential
• Work directly with inventors to understand technologies and identify commercialization pathways

Support Intellectual Property & Patent Activities
Assist in managing UWMRFs patent portfolio and coordinate with outside counsel
Support patent drafting and prosecution activities
Prepare and organize IP-related documents and filings

Advance Technology Commercialization Efforts
Support marketing and outreach efforts for university technologies
Research companies industries and potential licensing partners
Assist with startup and commercialization initiatives

Contribute to Operational & Administrative Excellence
Coordinate meetings reports correspondence and project tracking
Utilize Inteum and related systems to document commercialization activities
Help keep multiple innovation projects moving forward simultaneously

What Were Looking For
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree in a STEM-related field OR non-science degree with relevant commercialization innovation startup IP or research administration experience
Approximately 25 years of relevant professional experience preferred
Strong communication and relationship-management skills
Ability to balance competing priorities without losing attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree or PhD strongly valued
Experience or exposure to patents intellectual property licensing startups research commercialization or technology transfer

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work on cutting-edge innovations before they reach the marketplace
• Gain hands-on exposure to patents licensing startups and technology transfer
• Support innovators and entrepreneurs making a real-world impact
• Be involved in every stage of the commercialization journey
• Learn continuously in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Join a collaborative mission-driven team that values curiosity and initiative

Whats In It For You

403(b) with 7.5% employer contribution
Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
Long-Term Disability Coverage
Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account
Parental Leave
Free heated-garage parking
Modern workspace with sit/stand desks and Herman Miller chairs
Casual Fridays and a relaxed friendly team culture
Monthly fresh organic fruit in the office
Annual holiday party summer picnic
Optional Aflac insurance

Salary: Competitive and based on experience

About UWM Research Foundation
The UWM Foundation serves as the philanthropic and commercialization backbone of UWMilwaukee supporting excellence in research education and community engagement. Through UWMRF we help bring innovative technologies to market fostering entrepreneurship and advancing discoveries that make a difference.

Ready to Apply
Submit your resume here:
UWM Foundation is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

We Make it Easy

Founded in 1901 MRA is a nonprofit employer association that serves more than 4000 employers covering more than one million employees.

As one of the largest employer associations in the nation MRA helps its member organizations thrive by offering the most comprehensive assortment of HR services information education and resources to help build successful workplaces and a powerful workforce.

We partner with these companies working directly with their HR department and leadership to hire their talent. We are a direct line to the company not an agency recruiter.

Required Experience:

Manager