Senior Licensing Officer

Job Description

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Department of Defense Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) engaged in the development and demonstration of advanced prototype technologies and systems, with an overall objective to transfer those capabilities to Government, the defense industrial base, and the commercial sector. These transfers include hardware, software, material, technical data, and subject-matter expertise, and provide an extensive and resilient set of national security capabilities while concurrently contributing to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the United States.



 
The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) facilitates and oversees technology transfer to government and industry, fosters collaborative research with the private sector, and manages the Laboratory’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, in close collaboration with the MIT Technology Licensing Office which has ultimate responsibility for the management and integrity for MIT’s IP, of which Lincoln Lab IP is part. In order to support the creation of increased transfer opportunities in complex federal and private-sector landscapes, the Laboratory is seeking a Senior Technology Licensing Officer. This position will have the unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with world-class researchers, industry leaders, and legal experts to bring MITLL’s inventions to the global marketplace. The role will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, allowing you to leverage expertise in engineering / physical sciences while making a significant impact on the commercialization of intellectual property (IP).

Job Summary

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) facilitates and oversees technology transfer to government and industry, fosters collaborative research with the private sector, and manages the Laboratory’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio. In order to support the creation of increased transfer opportunities in complex federal and private-sector landscapes, the Laboratory is seeking a Senior Technology Licensing Officer. This position will have the unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with world-class researchers, industry leaders, and legal experts to bring MITLL’s inventions to the global marketplace. The role will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, allowing you to leverage expertise in engineering / physical sciences while making a significant impact on the commercialization of intellectual property (IP).

Essential Functions

• Identify potential licensees in spinout/startup companies, small businesses, large industry leaders, and the defense industrial base
• Assess value proposition of IP assets (both patent and non-patent) in the context of industry trends and partner business goals
• Negotiate license and other agreements to simultaneously achieve goals of licensee, government sponsors, and MIT
• Carefully understand technology sensitivities as it relates to national security classification and export control and respond accordingly in license negotiation / execution
• Work collaboratively with the TTO IP management team to understand available assets and provide feedback on patent prosecution/IP protection strategy based on licensee needs and progress
• Work with collaborative research contracting team to ensure strategic alignment of sponsored research agreements and parallel / future licensing transactions
• Work collaboratively with the marketing / business development functions to maximize effectiveness of outreach
• Work collaboratively with, and develop and maintain productive relationships with MIT Technology Licensing Office staff to ensure effective information exchange, co-management strategies of overlapping cases, and best practices for technology transfer and commercialization as governed by MIT’s IP Policy.
• Manage an extensive portfolio of cases, strategizing a variety of licensing approaches (express licensing, exclusive/non-exclusive licensing, open-source, etc.) for commercialization in alignment with government sponsor and national security goals
• Work to ensure MIT via Lincoln Lab has the appropriate rights needed to license each case and is compliant with all Govt Regulations.

Requirements

• 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 is preferred, although not required
• 8 years of direct experience in the engineering and/or physical sciences industries, including at least 5 years in a position involving activities such as technology licensing, product management and/or business development, and contract negotiation
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; effectively address complex business, legal, interpersonal, and inter-organizational issues; work independently; and exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all work assignments
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders, including research staff, administrative staff legal professionals, and industry representatives
• Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, a collaborative approach to developing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Prior experience in government technology transfer is strongly preferred
• U.S. citizenship 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance 

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks .

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 43139