Licensing Associate, Software and Copyright

Tech Launch Arizona (TLA) at the University of Arizona is seeking a self-motivated, outgoing individual with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively for an entry-level Licensing Associate (LA) (Tech Transfer Pro I) position. Reporting to the Director of Licensing and Intellectual Property, this position will work with University of Arizona faculty/staff inventors and creators of software, information technology (IT), and copyright inventions. This position will report to the TLA's Director of Licensing & IP.

TLA is the University of Arizona unit with the primary mission of ensuring greater cohesion among University innovators, the business community, and entrepreneurial support organizations to significantly enhance the impact of U of A research and creative endeavors. The LA, working directly with faculty, staff, and students, will help to significantly expand the UArizona portfolio of software, other copyright, and IT-based intellectual property (IP) to realize the impact associated with important inventions and discoveries.

As a place to live and work, Tucson has been ranked in the top 20 among America's Best Cities in the 2021 annual report by Resonance Consultancy, and was the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy designated in the U.S., joining the worldwide network of UNESCO Creative Cities.

Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to be ITAR/EAR compliant.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

• Familiarize the faculty, staff, and students with TLA in terms of purpose, intellectual property relevant to software and IT, process, and value of commercialization across the University;
• Help streamline the technology commercialization process for software, other copyright, and IT-related inventors and creators by shepherding invention disclosures, patent applications, marketing collateral, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), term sheets, options, license agreements, and other necessary elements in the technology transfer process;
• Understand the research activities across Arizona and assess the potential of those research activities for intellectual property protection and commercialization;
• Participate as a valued added contributor in grant proposals, industry contracts, and related activities;
• Attend software and IT research seminars and related research and commercialization events;
• Foster relationships with software and IT-focused faculty to make them aware of commercial potential for their research, both present and future;
• Guide inventors through invention disclosures, NDAs, conflict of interest considerations associated with startups, and other interactions with TLA;
• Work with inventors to determine technology milestones, timelines for moving technology into a commercial product, and appropriate IP strategies, and help to assess and prioritize inventions for TLA's Asset Development funding;
• Work with TLA marketing and market research teams to identify potential licensees and contacts within those companies;
• Work with researchers, TLA's IP manager and team, and outside patent counsel to manage patent applications and the prosecution of inventions and filing of copyrights as appropriate;
• Negotiate various agreements for intellectual property rights, including licenses or options, and manage ongoing relationships with licensees;
• Participate in outreach events to promote TLA and licensing opportunities; and
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• General knowledge or experience in information technology, management information systems, computer science, or related domain;
• General knowledge of intellectual property law, intellectual property evaluation, and contracts, especially as pertains to a university setting;
• Strong business ethics and service orientation combined with tolerance for ambiguity, ability to cultivate relationships, and superior communication skills, both oral and written;
• Multi-faceted negotiation skills with the ability to express complex ideas and positions clearly and succinctly; and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, peers, academics, and other professionals, including external agencies, with varied interests and perspectives.
• Working knowledge of intellectual property, specifically copyright and patents.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required;
• 1 year of relevant work experience is typically required in technology licensing, business development, contract negotiation, or commercial assessment experience, including the development, preparation, review, or execution of a wide range of business contracts.

Federal regulations require that the incumbent be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to be ITAR/EAR compliant.

• Master's degree or equivalent in a software-related field;
  
• Over 1 year of relevant work experience in technology licensing, business development, contract negotiation, or commercial assessment experience, including the development, preparation, review, or execution of a wide range of business contracts;
  
• Experience in working collaboratively with researchers, creators, or technical staff related to IP matters in IT-related domains as would be encountered in a university setting;
  
• Experience working with mobile applications;
  
• Experience as a team player who seeks, and uses effectively, instruction and advice from professional colleagues.