SUPERVISOR: Director of Licensing
I. POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Licensing Associate/Analyst plays a crucial role in the University of Virginia Licensing & Ventures Group (UVA LVG) by facilitating the commercialization of intellectual property (IP) developed through research and innovation at UVA. The incumbent is responsible for advancing a portfolio of university technologies into the commercial marketplace by evaluating inventions and either facilitating licenses with existing commercial entities or assisting in the formation of start-up companies and/or other commercialization mechanisms to advance the technology to market. This role manages the IP protection and licensing process, fosters industry partnerships, and supports commercialization efforts to maximize the impact and value of the university’s technological innovations. The Licensing Associate/Analyst will also establish relationships with UVA faculty inventors to support a wide range of activities to contribute to the overall success of UVA LVG.
II. BACKGROUND
UVA is a comprehensive public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Home to 13 schools, UVA is consistently rated among the top public universities and a “best values” university in the United States. During the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2023, the University reported $714 MM in research expenditures.
The UVA LVG manages intellectual property and technology commercialization for UVA’s research portfolio. Its mission is to maximize the intellectual, societal, and economic impact of UVA discoveries via commercialization to enrich and improve lives for the University, the Commonwealth and the world. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, LVG solicited and/or received 146 invention disclosures from UVA faculty, staff, and students; executed 80 commercial transactions; prosecuted to issuance 56 U.S. patents; launched six new ventures; and invested $1.2MM from the UVA LVG Seed Fund.
III. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reporting to the Director of Licensing, the responsibilities are to:
· Support the Director of Licensing (and other senior licensing professionals) in all functional areas; including such tasks as:
o Solicit new invention disclosures from faculty, staff and students at UVA;
o Perform technical, commercial and legal due diligence, including prior art searching, market analyses, and commercial pre-marketing;
o Make recommendations regarding the appropriateness and scope of intellectual property protection;
o Draft and negotiate non-disclosure agreements, option/evaluation licenses, non-exclusive licenses, exclusive licenses, etc.;
o Serve as the primary client service and faculty liaison to select University departments, centers, programs, and partnerships;
o Supervise scientific, legal and patent interns as designated by the Director of Licensing;
o Actively participate in University, local, and regional events/activities promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property awareness; and
o Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Licensing
IV. QUALIFICATIONS<
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· Required:
o Bachelor’s degree in engineering or physical sciences (e.g., computer science, physics, chemistry);
o Positive attitude, resourcefulness, and demonstrated good judgement;
o Strong oral and written communication skills;
o Strong organizational abilities;
o Ability to work independently.
· Preferred:
o Advanced degree in engineering or physical sciences, and/or an MBA;
o 1-3 years of experience in an academic, non-profit technology transfer organization managing a portfolio of technologies in engineering and/or physical sciences;
o Knowledge of and experience with patent process, contract negotiation, business development, and university technology commercialization;
o Experience working in a university environment.
V. COMPENSATION
Salary is commensurate with experience.
The University of Virginia Licensing & Ventures Group is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, handicap or any other classification protected by applicable law.
VI. TO APPLY
Qualified candidates are invited to apply for the position of Licensing Associate or Licensing Analyst by submitting a cover letter and resume/CV electronically to Josh Mauldin (JMauldin@virginia.edu). Please direct questions to Josh Mauldin at JMauldin@virginia.edu or (434) 243-7183.
