University of Washington, TechTransfer

Director, UW TechTransfer Invention Licensing

Department: UW TechTransfer, University of Washington

Open until filled.

General Duties/Description:

Context: The University of Washington is situated in the Seattle metropolitan area; a vibrant biotechnology and information technology industries hub. As the second highest federal research dollar recipient and 4th ranked university in start-up company creation for the period from 2000 to 2004, the University of Washington plays a significant role in the Pacific Northwest economy. Washington State is also first in the nation in new-company creation relative to the size of its workforce. UW TechTransfer is responsible for managing intellectual property for the University of Washington and successfully deploying UW innovations.

UW TechTransfer is a dynamic and creative unit that is housed in new space adjacent to the UW campus and is comprised of two licensing units: Invention Licensing and Digital Ventures, each focused on specialized licensing strategies and opportunities. UW TechTransfer employs 50 staff and students to manage over 2000 active innovations, 800 issued patents, nearly 800 pending patent applications, and over 500 active licenses.

Description: The Director of UW TechTransfer Invention Licensing reports directly to the Vice Provost, Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer. He or she will participate as a member of the Vice Provost’s senior administrative team and will exercise a high level of independent judgment in the administration of Invention Licensing’s patent-based technology licensing program. The position provides leadership, supervision and management of all activities of Invention Licensing. Invention Licensing currently employs 28 licensing professionals, support staff and students. It is expected that the Director will focus on process, team building, and relationship management among UW TechTransfer Invention Licensing, UW Faculty and staff, and potential licensees of UW intellectual property.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities include:

Invention Licensing Operations – Manage intake and evaluation of disclosures, oversight of patenting and licensing operations, and leadership in marketing discoveries to established companies, start ups, and venture capital firms. Expected to foster a partnership-oriented technology licensing office.

Collaborative Relationships – Develop appropriate commercialization approaches in collaboration with senior management within UW TechTransfer, implement priorities within a framework of strategic planning and participative faculty governance, and develop and maintain outstanding relationships with constituents inside and outside the UW. Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the open, collaborative nature of the UW and the Pacific Northwest research environment. Expected to become an integral element of the local commercialization landscape.

Requirements: Masters degree; 5 years of demonstrated success in managing technology transfer at an institution of higher education/non-profit organization, or a combination of 3 years experience in technology transfer at an institution of higher education/non profit and either 2 years experience in contract management, business development, or technology marking and/or sales; previous supervisory experience in managing licensing professionals, demonstrated track record in managing a licensing office, ability to manage a large staff with diverse responsibilities and backgrounds. Ability to relate positively with internal and external constituents; understanding of all aspects of technology licensing and management in a large research university; excellent verbal and written skills; outstanding relationship management skills; solid knowledge of laws relevant to university technology transfer practice.

Desirable: Experience as a director of a university technology transfer office. Advanced degree preferred.

Conditions of Employment: This position will require occasional travel and weekend and evening meetings.

Salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please apply online at the University of Washington employment website and search for Requisition #20228: https://uwhires.admin.washington.edu/eng/candidates/default.cfm?szLocationID=88.

The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206.543.6450 / 206.543.6452 (tty) or dso@u.washington.edu.

University of Washington, TechTransfer
Reference Job Code: Requisition #20228

University of Washington, TechTransfer is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Submitted: 03/06/2006