Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for a Licensing Associate to join the Office for Technology Transfer. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for full benefits. The selected candidate has the option of working a hybrid remote schedule or onsite. The successful candidate must be available for 20-30% travel to both Woods Hole & Boston area as needed.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Technology Transfer, the Licensing Associate is responsible for the identification of commercially attractive technologies developed by WHOI Inventors, collaboration with WHOI staff to evaluate and prioritize technologies for commercial potential, and development and implementation of strategies for licensing technologies to commercialization partners. The Licensing Associate also have a strong business development role and will leverage industry expertise to foster and deepen key relationships and communications with WHOI researchers and work to advance the development and commercialization of ground-breaking technologies by fostering strategic relationships with industry partners. As a liaison to industry resources, the Licensing Associate will have a service-oriented role, continually developing and effectively communicating a working knowledge of WHOI’s capabilities to the outside world.  This position requires a highly motivated and professional individual who enjoys collaborative opportunities, occasional public speaking, and a dedication to the ocean sciences. A combined strategic and execution-oriented mindset will be most successful in this role.

• Responsible for understanding and commercializing a robust intellectual property portfolio
• Work closely with WHOI scientists and engineers to assess/evaluate/translate the commercialization potential of new technologies;
• Develop and implement strategies for the marketing and licensing of technologies to commercialization partners; key part of the team that negotiates options, licenses, amendments, and other relevant agreements; and supports post-license activity
• Present technologies in an exciting and understandable manner to industry and non-technical audiences
• Serve as a point of contact for employees and assist in new employee orientations and check out meetings for PIs
• With the Assistant Director, OTT, manage IP external legal support including managing attorney time and tracking invoices/payment of legal expenses
• Maintains and develops Inteum database
• Performs shared department administration duties as needed

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

As deem necessary by Supervisor

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s, Ph.D., or equivalent in a technical or scientific field
• 3+ years of business development, research experience or equivalent that demonstrates skills in bridging basic research and applied uses of its results
• A proven track record in key functional areas in a university or company setting technology transfer, licensing and deal structuring
• Demonstrated success in negotiation, drafting, and executing high value deals
• Superb writing and presentation skills
• Knowledgeable and facile on databases and online resources used to assess up to date market and company information, record-keeping & metrics tracking

REQUIRED:

• Education: Master’s or equivalent in a technical field
• Experience: 3-5 years
• Essential Skills:
  • Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to develop and maintain professional relationships
  • Rigorous attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and good judgment
  • Capable of working independently and managing multiple projects simultaneously
  • Database management
  • Writing & presentation skills
  • Detailed record-keeping & metrics tracking
  • Business development experience
  • Demonstrated skill in translating complex scientific information for general audiences
  • Understanding of technology transfer best practices and basic IP protection knowledge
  • Ability to track and manage invoices & payment to outside counsel

DESIRED:

• Education: Master’s or PhD
• Experience: 5+ years
• Other:
  • Experience in or understanding of academic or research setting
  • Experience in a technology transfer department

WHOI is a federal contractor required to comply with Executive Order 14042. As such, WHOI has enacted a Mandated COVID19 vaccination policy effective December 8, 2021 where you must register your vaccination status in order to begin your employment. The registration process entails confidentially submitting a vaccination card and/or your vaccination status or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.

This is a mostly sedentary position with occasional standing and walking. Occupational requirements include hearing, talking, working around others, working with others and working alone.