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 UW–Milwaukee 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 You’ll 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 UWMRF’s 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 We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field OR non-science degree with relevant commercialization, innovation, startup, IP, or research administration experience
• Approximately 2–5 years of relevant professional experience preferred
• Strong communication and relationship-management skills
• Ability to balance competing priorities without losing attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s 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

What’s 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 UW–Milwaukee, 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:

The 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 4,000 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.