Technology Transfer Associate

Support faculty and employee inventors to identify research results with the potential to be patentable inventions, through all phases of assessment and commercialization. Review inventions to assess legal protectability, commercial viability, and stage of development, including executing prior art searches. Utilize business intelligence resources to vet early disclosures, assess the market potential of inventions, and understand potential markets and uses of the technology. Engage with legal personnel to develop an intellectual property strategy, including high quality provisional patent applications. Determine commercialization strategy and market the technology to licensing partners with established companies or startups. Engage and develop the University’s Subject Matter Expert Network to obtain key information for commercialization opportunities. Engage internal resources to access Proof of Concept opportunities to advance product development based on commercialization research and insights. Engage business development and entrepreneurship resources in the OEIP to identify commercialization partners and execute license opportunities to established companies or startups; develop and execute option and confidentiality agreements, as well as collaborative research agreements, research contracts, consultation agreements, and similar economic partnerships in support of commercialization goals.

Cultivate high-trust relationships with faculty, units, students; and become familiar with innovation activities in various units. Participate in university-wide and unit-specific communication and education regarding UD technology commercialization activities. Participate in data collection related to specific units and institutional metrics for technology commercialization. Work with industry relation and corporate engagement team members to enhance collaboration with stakeholders and enhance innovation process and outcomes. Support and execute sustainable partnerships by bridging gaps between research innovation and commercial application of technology. Develop and maintain network of industry contacts with business interests that align with research innovation at UD. Align needs of both the university (academia) and industry (business) to establish successful, sustainable efforts for both parties.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering-related field and 5 years of relevant experience, or alternatively, a Master’s degree in same and 3 years of relevant experience. Experience must be in technology transfer, conducting patentability assessments, evaluating invention disclosures, licensing and related agreements, business development, and facilitating external partnerships. Limited telework permitted – must be on-site three days per week. Wages: $85,000 to $95,000