Job Overview

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Technology Transfer, the Director will be primarily responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and logistics of the institution's intellectual property portfolio, with a strong emphasis on fostering internal relationships and partnerships within the university. This role includes leading the team of Licensing Associates, supporting researchers through the management of various agreements related to collaborations and intellectual property, and addressing complex intellectual property issues. The Director will be pivotal in developing and implementing new strategies for technology transfer, broadening engagement across all researchers and eliminating friction. By promoting an inclusive approach to technology transfer, the Director will help the office achieve its overarching goal of transforming research into societal impact.

About the Department

The Technology Transfer Office at the University of Cincinnati, located within the dynamic 1819 Innovation Hub, plays a critical role in advancing the university's mission to foster innovation and drive economic impact. The office is dedicated to protecting and commercializing intellectual property generated by UC’s world-class research community. By facilitating patent protection, licensing agreements, and startup formation (in partnership with UC’s Venture Lab and Center for Entrepreneurship), the office is committed to empowering UC’s innovators with the resources, networks, and strategies needed to translate research into real-world applications, thereby contributing to human health, environmental progress, and economic growth.

Essential Functions

• Work closely with the University of Cincinnati faculty and senior University administration, develop and implement a transparent, consistent process for the evaluation and marketing of University invention disclosures, patent protection, negotiation of license agreements and startup companies.
• Define technology development and commercialization strategy, assess existing and emerging technologies and create relationships for the purpose of advancing technology transfer at the University of Cincinnati.
• Provide leadership and management of the case managers in Biosciences and Physical Sciences disciplines with a strong emphasis on establishing a team approach to review and commercialization of the university's technology derived from federally funded research.
• Establish and maintain strong, effective relationships with the regional research institutions and economic development organizations; work closely with and assist in management of outside patent counsel and other third-party business providers.
• Develop a strategy for education of faculty and staff on technology transfer.
• Create and develop opportunities for greater collaboration across the University of Cincinnati, its colleges, departments and community partners.  
• May provide direct and/or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.). 
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

• Professional Degree
• Terminal degree in medical, physical or engineering sciences, or business.

Required Experience

Five (5) years demonstrated management experience and leadership in the scientific area of expertise.

Additional Qualifications Considered

Ph.D.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment