Position Summary:

The Technology Commercialization Specialist/Senior Technology Commercialization Specialist plays a key role in the development and commercialization of Intellectual Property (IP) assets at UTHealth. They work closely with faculty from the six UTHealth Houston's schools to encourage their active participation and partnership in the commercialization process and identify, evaluate and determine commercial potential of new technologies and discoveries to address various medical needs and therapies. The specialist will have a clear understanding of technology developmental pathways and supporting IP strategy and will provide strategic oversight of the commercialization process including managing negotiations with commercial partners. There will be extensive interactions with faculty researchers, potential licensees, patent and contract attorneys, industrial scientists, senior business development executives, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. The specialist will participate in educational and service programs provided by the Office of Technology Management (OTM) to the UTHealth community related to intellectual property, innovation and entrepreneurship issues and awareness. Candidates who have a background in chemistry, or life sciences field will be the most successful. We prefer candidates who have doctoral degrees in the life sciences and some experience in negotiating commercial contracts.

 

This is a full-time position which is eligible for all benefits from UTHealth including excellent healthcare coverage as well as a pension administered by the State of Texas. The position will office in the Texas Medical Center.  Hybrid work schedules may be possible following a training period.

 

 

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees   Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)  The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!  Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)  Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

Free financial and legal counseling  Free mental health counseling services  Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs  Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.  Resources for child and elder care  Plus many more! 

 

Position Key Accountabilities:

1.  Evaluates new inventions for product and market potential.

2.  Conducts licensing strategies and conducts negotiations with potential licensees.

3.  Oversees the administration of complex active license and related research agreements.

4.  Provides support in the general maintenance of the patent portfolio including working closely with investigators to solicit invention disclosures.

5.  May initiate and work with Legal Affairs, when necessary, and OTM regarding negotiations for licensing/option agreements or other related contracts.

6.  Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Certification/Skills:

Knowledge of licensing practices required.  Intellectual Property law knowledge preferred.  Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

 

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or related life science field. Master's degree preferred (Specialist). Doctorate’s degree in one of the life sciences or law preferred (Senior Specialist).

 

Minimum Experience:

Two years (Specialist) or Four years (Senior Specialist) of related experience in commercializing technology in industry or university technology transfer.

 

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

 

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215