Job Description:

FUNCTION & SCOPE:

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York (RF) is seeking an energetic, results-oriented Associate for Intellectual Property Management and Licensing Business Development and Licensing to support its Innovation and Partnerships (I&P) team and help make SUNY the best place for researchers and innovators to solve the world's most pressing problems, and connect those solutions with partners that translate them into products and services that will transform lives.

The Associate will proactively partner with and build strong relationships with SUNY's research community. You will analyze and drive decisions related to SUNY's research and intellectual property portfolio based on your understanding of market trends and opportunities. Your technical knowledge will enable you to assess and evaluate new technologies disclosed by research from across the SUNY enterprise for patentability and marketability. The Associate will work closely with other team members to engage researchers in technology transfer and commercialization, with a focus on disclosure mining and setting assessment priorities. You will collaborate with team members to identify and implement technology marketing campaigns using multiple platforms to generate business prospects and commercialization partners. Associates will work collaboratively with each other and other team members to self-assign themselves as the "responsible party" or "point of contact" for all technologies, disclosures, and internal and external contacts utilizing I&P services. You are empowered to make strategic decisions regarding invention, technology, and intellectual property (IP) management, as long as those decisions support I&P goals, the mission of the RF, and align with best practices and industry norms (i.e., AUTM's Nine Points). The Associate is also empowered to support and sometimes lead the negotiations of confidentiality agreements, inter-institutional agreements, materials transfer and testing agreements, and technology licenses.

To be successful in this position, you will be a constant learner; you will utilize data to drive decisions, you will focus on outcomes and setting priorities. You will continuously develop your knowledge of SUNY's intellectual property and research assets, and you will always be identifying and assessing opportunities. You must be conversant, comfortable, and confident with academic and commercial partners and capable of leading conversations that are very technical in nature. If you are ambitious, curious, enthusiastic about technology, and outgoing, enjoy teamwork, thrive when continually challenged, and delight in opportunities for deep engagement with some of the world's brightest scientists, then this is a great opportunity for you.

The Associate will report to the Director of Intellectual Property and Licensing and will focus primarily on supporting research across SUNY in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, computational modeling, software systems, and digital technologies (including AI-enabled platforms and data-driven innovations), while remaining flexible to support other domains as needed.

DUTIES:

• Lead innovator engagement efforts to proactively identify new intellectual property (including software, algorithms, data-driven models, and AI-enabled platforms) that should be disclosed.
• Work collaboratively with IP Licensing Managers, IP Assistants and Compliance Coordinators to ensure all disclosures are accurately captured in Minuet and that all sponsor (e.g., federal, state, private) reporting requirements are addressed using the appropriate tool (e.g., iEdison).
• Complete intellectual property and market opportunity assessments of new technology disclosures by conducting IP searches and market research to evaluate the patentability and commercial potential of inventions, including software, AI models, data assets, and computational tools.
• Engage IP counsel, as needed, to develop and implement IP protection strategies which may include the filing of patents, registration of copyrights, and/or documentation of know-how.
• Proactively support IP Licensing Managers and sometimes lead the development and implementation of marketing and licensing strategies, including outreach to AI companies, software firms, cloud/data platform providers, and advanced manufacturing stakeholders.
• Responsible for supporting the management of contracts and agreements, including those involving software licensing, data use agreements, and AI-related collaborations.
• Represent I&P professionally and regularly on campuses across the enterprise; prioritize building a comprehensive and regular campus trip schedule to share with campus constituencies.
• Consult with Sponsored Programs personnel to ensure compliance with sponsor obligations.
• Travel regularly to campuses and other locations.
• Document all work in Minuet.
• Assist in IP prosecution and support preparation of materials describing software, algorithms, and AI systems for both protection and commercialization.
• Other duties as assigned to support I&Ps goals and the mission of RF.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will have:

• A passion for science and technology and knowledge of transitioning innovation from academia to industry.
• An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, or a related computational or quantitative field is preferred; candidates with a Bachelor's degree in computer science (or a closely related field) combined with an MBA or equivalent business qualification will also be strongly considered.
• Strong research skills.
• Familiarity with software, AI/ML systems, data governance, and/or digital technology commercialization pathways.
• Experience with patent and/or copyright portfolio management; patent agent credential is a plus.
• A proven track record in innovation or commercialization.
• CLP or RTTP Accreditation.
• Passion for science and technology and knowledge of the process of transitioning technology from the academic bench to qualified industry partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and be comfortable communicating with anyone who interacts with SUNY research, innovation, and commercialization; this includes researchers, inventors, teaching faculty, entrepreneurs, business leaders at all levels, administrators, students, and representatives of all levels of local, state and federal government.
• Desire to learn from others constantly, remain determined to achieve goals, and relentlessly support the team while always remembering this is not your typical 9-5 job.
• An agile mindset, a can-do attitude, a bias to action, a desire to "get to yes," and a willingness to tackle any task needed to get the job done with the unwavering support of teammates and leadership.
• Strong project management skills or the capacity to learn them quickly (through training in our specific methodology), to be effective in taking both lead and supporting roles in RF projects.
• A self-starting, detailed-oriented, and professional demeanor with creative problem-solving and decision-making skills.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience with app or software development.
• Experience designing and executing research projects.
• At least one year of experience working in technology transfer, business development or intellectual property or software/AI-related commercialization environments.

SALARY RANGE: $81,286 - $97,054

Additional Information:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Application Instructions:

Applicants interested in applying MUST submit the following documents:

1. Resume/Cv
2. Cover Letter

After submitting your resume/CV, the subsequent pages enable you to upload your cover letter and additional documents.

Returning Applicants - Login to your RF SUNY Careers Account to review your application.