SCHOOL/UNIT DESCRIPTION: Dean of Research / Office of Technology Licensing: The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) was established in 1970 to manage the intellectual property assets of Stanford University. OTL evaluates, markets, and licenses technology owned by the University. OTL's mission is to encourage effective technology transfer for the public benefit as well as generating royalty income for Stanford to benefit research and education. OTL is one of the country's most active offices in the field of technology transfer from the university to industry. Our staff, most of whom are professionals engaged directly in licensing, manages over 3,000 active dockets.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) is seeking a Licensing Manager, Physical Sciences, to collaborate with inventors on evaluating and developing technology licensing opportunities and strategies, and negotiating the terms and conditions of agreements with limited supervision. This role also involves overseeing and administering patent-related activities. Candidates should have a deep understanding of early-stage technology evaluation, marketing needs, and IP strategy. They must also be adept at developing and maintaining productive relationships with faculty inventors and industry representatives to build a pipeline of business development opportunities. Ideally, candidates will have experience in early-stage physical sciences, materials and mechanical technologies, and AI, with secondary expertise in adjacent fields such as software and medical devices within the Stanford ecosystem.
The role involves a variety of responsibilities aimed at advancing the commercialization of technology and fostering positive relationships within the Stanford community and with industry stakeholders. Key duties include providing expert advice on technology commercialization, including feedback to researchers, thereby advancing technologies toward commercial endpoints. Building and maintaining relationships with key faculty and industry stakeholders is crucial. The position also requires active engagement in outreach activities by organizing and attending seminars and events on campus, and educating stakeholders about the commercialization process.
Additionally, the role encompasses post-disclosure licensing responsibilities such as identifying and qualifying licensees, assisting with marketing strategies and plans, drafting business terms for license agreements, negotiating and executing license agreements, and managing a technology portfolio that includes highly complex technologies and issues. Acting as an ambassador for Stanford and OTL, the individual will serve as the primary contact for certain schools and faculty members. They will develop strategies for protecting intellectual property, pursuing patents as necessary, and overseeing the patent prosecution process in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Management (IPM) team and external patent attorneys. Evaluating the effect of proposed and approved patent claims on commercialization opportunities will also be part of this role.
Maintaining up-to-date knowledge in emerging technologies and best practices in licensing agreements is essential. The ability to manage intricate situations involving multiple and sometimes competing stakeholders is also critical for this role. This is a 100% FTE, benefits-eligible hybrid position with the expectation of being in the office at least twice a week and more as needed. For consideration, please submit your resume. All final candidates must complete a background check.
CORE DUTIES:
With limited supervision, evaluate and analyze new invention disclosures, including initial review, meeting with inventor(s), identifying industry reviewers, making contact, and sending materials.
Follow-up, collect and evaluate information, and provide necessary notifications.
Develop licensing strategy, identifying potential licensees, negotiating terms, preparing draft agreements, and closing the deal.
Oversee patent-related activities including selection of attorney, determination of when and where to file patent applications, and management of an inventory of unlicensed cases from a financial perspective.
Monitor license agreements, ensure compliance with diligence terms, prepare and execute amendments, and process terminations.
Maintain and develop relations with licensees; monitor progress in licensed product(s) development.
* Other duties may also be assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and five years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Strongly preferred experience: Strong working knowledge of intellectual property law and industry-standard licenses, including royalty rates and license structures. CLP credential is optional. Experience in tech transfer (government, industry, or academia) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong interpersonal, oral, written and presentation skills.
Demonstrated customer relationship skills, and the ability to influence and negotiate with internal constituencies and external business partners.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership and leadership of projects from inception to completion, including developing strategy, implementation and execution of tasks.
Demonstrated ability to independently exercise sound judgment and decision making, problem solving and critical analysis.
Demonstrated knowledge of contract and patent laws, University policies, industry and regulatory requirements.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn applicable business-related systems.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
Frequently perform desk based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
Occasionally use a telephone, stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, write by hand, sort, and file paperwork or parts.
Rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May have occasional extended or weekend work hours during peak business cycles.
WORK STANDARDS:
Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.
For On-site or Hybrid positions:
The expected pay range for this position is $141,491 to $168,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate including but not limited to geographic location, knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, depth and breadth of experience, performance; as well as other business and organization needs such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the unit, department and reporting relationships.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?
