Job Description

Job Function Summary

Involves advising on intellectual property (IP) rights protection, business startup and other technology transfer related issues. Evaluates the commercial potential of research results, obtains and manages the appropriate IP rights protection, markets inventions and software, and / or biological / tangible materials; drafts and negotiates, and manages IP licenses and Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and advises on IP terms in research and collaboration agreements. Supports companies who wish to sponsor research and / or license technologies. Facilitates administration of federal and state laws regarding research, conflict of interest, IP, contracts and employment. Works with outside patent attorneys to file patent applications.

Responsibilities

Commercialization Strategy and Direction

Defines the direction of commercialization and the appropriate startup company development strategies for commercializing research discoveries. They will lead goal setting for the function and implement measurable key performance indicators for year-to-year comparators.

Technology Evaluation and Commercialization Opportunities

As part of identifying "promising" technologies to prioritize, leverages their scientific and technology expertise to determine the important features of a technology, a path to generate products/services from the technology and cultivates a commercialization opportunity with potential partners.

Startup Company Development and Licensing Strategy

Drives startup company development workflow ensuring externally facing aspects are of high quality, such as building pitch decks and the presentation of technology opportunities to companies/investors and engaging with executives, business development professionals, venture capitalists to secure commercial development partners to translate UCSF technologies into products or services.

Furthermore, the Director will use extensive knowledge of the life sciences industry to develop appropriate licensing strategies, deal valuations (including equity terms) to support the negotiation of financial term sheets for patent, copyright, trademark, technology rights, and/or know-how licenses (IP licenses). Success is determined by number of startups developed and with investor raise.

Commercialization Strategy and Stakeholder Coordination

Coordinates with researchers on commercialization strategy and brings internal and external stakeholders together to close deals.

Campus Equity Policy and Stock Issuance

Responsible for campus equity policy and stock issuance related to new startup company development and follow-on management of investment events, such as participation rights.

Policy, Strategy and Faculty Training

Recommends individual exceptions to policy and develops new strategies to meet objectives. Conducts training with faculty regarding equity policies and procedures.

Market and Business Development

Identifies new opportunities and conducts market and business analysis for them. Markets new technology to potential partners including investors and established companies. Establishes and provides networking contacts.

Evaluates opportunities and makes connections with potential partners.

Advises on market, business strategy (including IP strategy), business startup and other technology development issues relevant to the commercialization of UCSF technologies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent combination of education / experience
• Ability to lead a team of professionals, set goals and key performance indicators.
• Thorough knowledge of and application of standard principles, theories, and concepts and techniques such as laws, regulations, and practices pertaining to the protection and management of intellectual property, university technology transfer, and general scientific and / or technical skills in subject matter area
• Knowledge of equity management and stock issuance contracts
• Knowledge of various license arrangements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to work collaboratively with researchers and team members.
• Demonstrated capacity to communicate with diverse audiences and understand the different motivations and drivers of each audience.
• Ten (10) or more years of related work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in related scientific area, PhD, MBA or JD.
• Knowledge of contracts and grants.
• Knowledge of specific aspect of technology area (e.g .therapeutics) / technology licensing.
• Ability to work closely with internal and external stakeholders to close deals.