Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Technology Licensing

The Technology Licensing Officer manages portfolios of new technologies or inventions created by University employees; supports the University's technology transfer mission by identifying, protecting, enhancing, and commercializing intellectual property (IP) developed at the University; markets the University's technologies and patents to companies; negotiates licenses and other agreements; monitors/maintains existing agreements and commercial relationships; provides assistance to the University community on intellectual property matters not requiring an attorney, including interpretation of University intellectual property policies; requires frequent and effective collaboration with faculty and researchers, patent attorneys, industry representatives, and internal stakeholders to facilitate the transition of innovations from lab to market.

• Review and assess new invention disclosures to identify those with high commercial potential; perform and initiate technical background and commercial market research; conduct technical, legal, and/or commercial assessments of new technologies
• Determine and implement patent strategy for new invention disclosures, including selecting legal counsel, reviewing patent applications, interviewing inventors, reviewing prosecution documents, and assisting in making decisions with legal counsel
• Develop and implement strategies to market university technologies to potential commercial partners; prepare non-confidential summaries and other promotional materials
• Manage all patent-related activities within assigned technology portfolio; participate in the Patent Review Committee process on patenting decisions
• Draft, negotiate, and manage a range of IP-related major and minor agreements including but not limited to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Evaluation and Option Agreements, License Agreements, equity-based agreements, and Inter-institutional and IP Management Agreements
• Monitor compliance and ensure alignment with university policies, procedures, and goals
• Build and maintain relationships with industry contacts and prospective licensees
• Represent the University at industry conferences, trade shows, and other technology marketing events
• Serve as a liaison to university colleges, campuses, research centers, and administrative units to promote IP disclosure and technology transfer
• Deliver presentations and training on IP policies and the technology transfer process; provide IP-related guidance to university personnel across departments
• Meet regularly with researchers to discuss ongoing research, assess IP potential, and encourage disclosures
• Support related tasks such as materials transfer agreements, IP policy interpretation, and requests from units
• Engage in activities that promote or develop and enhance the formation of startup companies from University technologies; provide guidance and planning on developing technologies
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 13
• Minimum – $86,300.00
• MidPoint – $107,900.00
• Maximum – $129,500.00

• Asset management
• Business development
• Content creation
• Contract management
• Innovative thinking
• Intellectual property management
• Market analysis
• Negotiation
• Policy analysis
• Research methods
• Technical analysis
• Technical Writing