The University of Texas at Austin · 2 days ago
Intellectual Property Specialist – Physical Science
Austin, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
1+ years expThe University of Texas at Austin is seeking an Intellectual Property Specialist for Physical Science to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial opportunities. The role involves managing a portfolio of physical science inventions, educating the university community on intellectual property practices, and facilitating the commercialization of innovations.
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Responsibilities
Intellectual Property Management: Actively manage a portfolio of physical science inventions with the objective of supporting UT research innovation and commercialization through superior service and support, including:
Proactively capture innovation from university research in the areas of physical science for IP consideration
Fielding faculty consultations and fostering excellent working relationships with inventors
Evaluating invention disclosures for patent-ability through prior art searches
Coordinating with the Business Development team, evaluating invention disclosures for commercial value and overall market potential
Building and maintaining effective relationships with outside patent counsel to identify appropriate patent counsel and working with counsel and inventors to draft, file, and prosecute patent applications with commercially relevant claims
Growing the physical science IP portfolio in strategic areas and pruning non-aligned IP from the portfolio
Coordinate with the Business Development and Licensing and Collaborative Research teams on continuous advancement of the portfolio
Outreach and Relationship Management: Actively engage in outreach with UT Austin faculty to raise awareness of the services provided by the Discovery to Impact organization and promote a culture of innovation
Serve as the primary relationship manager for University inventors, including maintaining knowledge of the current status of individual researcher portfolios throughout the commercialization process
Advise University inventors regarding University intellectual property policies and related technology commercialization processes
Advise on Intellectual Property: Advise University inventors regarding University intellectual property policies and related technology commercialization processes
Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Intellectual Property
Qualification
Required
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related Physical Science field
Experience in technology transfer, R&D, or IP management within a technical industry or academic research setting (Minimum 1 year, may include internships)
Knowledge of Patent Law with experience in patent-ability assessments and market validation —the ability to perform prior art searches and competitive landscape analyses for new technologies
Ability to translate complex technical concepts for legal and business audiences; experience interfacing with scientists and engineers to identify commercially viable inventions
Capable of managing a broad IP portfolio consisting of multiple assets at different stages of the lifecycle, from initial disclosure to commercialization
Self-motivated professional with the strategic mindset to prioritize high-value disclosures and meet strict filing deadlines
Available for occasional travel to visit labs or attend industry conferences, with the ability to work extended hours during peak filing or negotiation periods
Preferred
A background in Patent Law or Technology Transfer is highly preferred
Experience applying statutory requirements to complex physical science inventions (e.g., novelty, non-obviousness)
Experience with technology licensing principles, including royalty structures, field-of-use restrictions, and material transfer agreements (MTAs)
Advanced degree or Registered Patent Agent
Advanced skills in IP management software, patent search databases (e.g., USPTO, Espacenet, Derwent), and standard productivity applications
Technology transaction and IP licensing experience
Experience advising internal compliance, operations, and process functions
Extensive knowledge of licensing
Experience collaborating with business and research teams to determine optimal strategies for patent filing and prosecution
Demonstrated ability to work with university researchers to understand early-stage technology concepts, communicate effectively with regards to the patenting process, and ensure understanding among the researcher, the patent attorney, and the internal team
Working knowledge of policies/issues relating to commercialization of university science-based research
Demonstrated ability to articulate an invention's potential technological and commercial impact
Benefits
Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation (8 hours/month), paid holidays (10+/year), sick time (8 hours/month), and longevity pay
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card
Company
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest public universities in the United States.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Republic Capital Group
2022-09-14Series Unknown
Leadership Team
Will Whiting
Chief Development Officer
Recent News
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