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Management Professional Supervisory
Penn State Job Catalog
Technology Licensing Officer – Intermediate Professional (PSU0339)
Job Summary and Representative Duties
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 Matrix
- Level:
- – Intermediate Professional
- Base Description:
- – Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
- Level Summary:
- – Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.
- Supervisory Responsibilities:
-
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers
- Fiscal Responsibilities:
-
– May validate and pay invoices
- Problem Solving:
-
– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action
- Independence of Action:
-
– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor
- Communication and Collaboration:
-
– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
- Comp Grade – 11
- Minimum – $68,200.00
- MidPoint – $85,200.00
- Maximum – $102,300.00
Critical Skills
- Asset management
- Business development
- Content creation
- Contract management
- Innovative thinking
- Intellectual property management
- Market analysis
- Negotiation
- Policy analysis
- Research methods
- Technical analysis
- Technical Writing