Licensing Director, Physical Sciences (University Staff Professional 1)

Search #: 499368
Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Grants and Contracts

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at the University of Connecticut is seeking an energetic and experienced scientific R&D professional to join our Technology Commercialization Services (TCS), which is the Technology Transfer Office. Working as part of a technology-focused team within the TCS, the Licensing Director, Physical Sciences, will be responsible for managing the evaluation, patenting, marketing of technologies, and licensing of Physical Sciences and engineering portfolio of university inventions. This also includes providing leadership, strategic oversight, and guidance through supervision, training, and mentorship of the licensing team, and support to startup companies affiliated with the University.

The Licensing Director, Physical Sciences will be a senior member of the team reporting to the Senior Director of Licensing to set the strategic direction of the commercialization strategies for the University. He/she must be an energetic and experienced mid-career professional with an established record and experience, a solid deal sheet that demonstrates out-licensing deals done by the candidate, someone who is accessible, responsive, and fosters collaboration in a dynamic organizational culture to facilitate the translation of science and research to market. This position requires U.S. Citizenship due to access to Controlled Classified Information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Familiarize the faculty, staff, and students with technology transfer in terms of purpose, intellectual property process, and value of commercialization.
• Evaluate invention disclosures received in the physical sciences for patentability and market potential.
• Develop and execute invention-specific marketing plans, patent, and commercialization strategies to attract potential licensees.
• License technologies to the industry through active marketing and negotiate complex licensing deals
• Meet with faculty and staff to aid in invention evaluations and to track the progress of continued research related to inventions.
• Participate in team-based review meetings for decisions on patenting and commercialization of inventions and present inventions for review as needed.
• Work with internal patent team and assist with patent prosecution for inventions.
• Negotiate options, licenses, letters of intent, term sheets, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, inter-institutional agreements, etc.
• Participate in discussions and provide advice to support decisions pertaining to the formation of university start-up companies.
• Establish strong relationships with relevant industry executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and researchers in Connecticut, the region, and beyond.
• Help develop and support programs devised to aid in the creation of startup companies by faculty and students. May have access to information used in collective bargaining.
• Engage in building academic-industry relationships
• Work with other members of the OVPR to achieve the Office's overall goals.
• Perform other related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in the physical sciences, engineering, or area of discipline appropriate to the role.
2. At least three years of direct experience in technology licensing as evidenced by negotiated contracts with major engineering and physical science companies and startup companies.
3. Demonstrated experience with the industrial relevance of early-stage inventions.
4. Experience with intellectual property protection and patenting, especially software-related technologies and data licensing.
5. Experience setting priorities and working within targeted time frames.
6. Demonstrated experience leading licensing, research, and commercial agreement negotiations with industry, academic, and governmental partners.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in the physical sciences or engineering with expertise in electrical or computer science engineering.
2. Five or more years of experience in technology licensing as evidenced by negotiated contracts with major engineering and physical science companies and startup companies.
3. Combination of business and academic/R&D experience in engineering or physical sciences.
4. Experience with the formation of equity-based ventures and intellectual property issues.
5. Experience working in an academic environment and ability to interact well with faculty.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 12-month, permanent position. This is an in-person position based at the Farmington (UConn Health) campus with travel to the Storrs campus as needed; however, hybrid work arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits, please visit UConn Health Benefits and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of successful candidates will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

The successful candidate must have U.S. Citizenship.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499368 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 11, 2026.