Technology Transfer Specialist
Responsibilities:
Technology Analysis and Securement: 40%
- Review technologies from the various campuses of the Southern Illinois University System in any and all fields, but most particularly for technology related to biology and biochemistry, for the Director to assess their likelihood of having patentable merit and commercial value.
- Research prior art that would have an impact on a proposed invention by investigating published papers and reviewing issued patents and published pending patent applications.
- Assess the marketability potential of a proposed technology and evaluate the cost/benefit of pursuing a proposed intellectual property protection or market strategy.
- Advise researchers on needed data or studies for intellectual property advancement.
- Search and identify prospective technology acquisition partners or research development partners.
- Work with outside counsel in providing feedback and perspectives relevant to patent prosecution matters and/or licensing matters.
Internal and External Outreach: 30%
- Integrate when appropriate with local businesses and community groups on the Springfield, Edwardsville and Carbondale campuses where the Office of Technology Management and Industry Relations may benefit or assist the community.
- Provide support for economic development initiatives in the regions for all campuses as it relates to university intellectual property enhancement.
- Follow up with inventors on further development requirements/suggestions to improve their likelihood of obtaining patent protection and licensure.
- Work with students in entrepreneurship programs and assist with innovation or business plan activities.
- Assist in the promotion of research collaboration opportunities for all SIU campuses.
- Assist with licensing and marketing activities as requested by the Director.
- Assist with industry outreach and other activities related to the integration of businesses using SIU System personnel and resources.
- Assist with the education of faculty, staff and students on technology transfer and intellectual property.
Technology Administration: 20%
- Administer the policies and procedures that relate to intellectual property adopted by the SIU System.
- Assist with the event development and deployment of functions related to commercializeable research on the campuses of SIU Carbondale, SIU School of Medicine and SIU Edwardsville.
- Work with internal grant administrators on compliance matters that relate to intellectual property assets, especially as it relates to iEdison government reporting.
- Promote and assist with the other internal awards based in Carbondale, Edwardsville and School of Medicine campuses to incentivize commercialization for SIU discoveries.
- Assist with the training of personnel interning within the Office of Technology Management and Industry Relations.
- Provide support and advice for committees or research administrators as it relates to intellectual property.
- Assist with material transfer agreements, data use agreements and confidential disclosure agreements when appropriate.
Miscellaneous: 10%
- Assist with other duties as assigned by the Director of OTMIR.
Travel to professional development conferences, various inter-campus visits and other travel will be expected but the travel should not exceed 10% of time/effort.
Required Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in a Biochemistry, Microbiology, Virology, Cell Biology or related area, is required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to varied audiences will be required. A qualified candidate must be competent to explain new technologies and discoveries to prospective licensees and understand how those technologies meet the business objectives of 3rd party industry partners.
Desirable Qualifications: A second degree or advanced degree or work experience of 2 or more years that reflects expertise in the biochemistry field is strongly desirable. Business development experience is a preference. Some knowledge about the patent process is desirable, although not required.