Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts, Technology Commercialization

Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts, Technology Commercialization

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts, Technology Commercialization at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

Provide responsive legal guidance supporting the Division of Research & Innovation. Work closely with the Office of General Counsel, Sponsored Program Administration, and Technology Commercialization to evaluate and assist in the negotiation of collaborative research agreements, commercialization and supply arrangements, intellectual property management and licensing arrangements, and transfer of technology rights. Manage relationships with outside patent counsel and advising on transactional issues. Provide creative solutions and efficient legal processes to streamline the various agreements and contracts that support the research, licensing, and intellectual property management activities. This role is dedicated to the Division of Research & Innovation and manages all contractual agreements for the unit. This position will report to the Assistant Vice President, Technology Commercialization.Essential Functions:Draft and negotiate a variety of agreements related to research collaborations, licensing of technology and Intellectual Property and prepare legal correspondence, as necessary. Provide strategic advice on issues relating to industry collaboration and public/private partnerships; negotiate acceptable terms in research and fee-for-service contracts (, publication restrictions).Work with the Technology Commercialization staff to identify and protect Wayne State University (WSU) Intellectual Property positions; assist in setting worldwide IP strategies; counsel staff and faculty on patent matters and related issues. Support and enhance the research and commercialization endeavor within WSU.Provide leadership and management for the Intellectual Property & Data Management Coordinator, Agreements Coordinator, Material Transfer Agreements & Intellectual Property Agreements Specialist, and the Compliance Specialist.Delegate ‎‎responsibilities, evaluate activities, and prepare performance ‎appraisals and professional development plans. Manages the ‎‎administrative process for assigned staff including hiring, ‎promotions, terminations, and disciplinary procedures. Performs financial management functions for the department. Approves revenues and expenditures, as with Sponsored Program Administration and Technology Commercialization staff to manage the transfer of materials coming into and going out of the University labs across campus.Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Doctorate degreeRequires a Juris doctor with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the practice of law with expertise in intellectual property and business negotiations (including collaborative agreements and licensing arrangements), and experience representing or advising on intellectual property and business transactional issues.Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).Experience in successful negotiation and preparation of agreements (, technology licensing, non-disclosure, material transfer and sponsored research agreements). Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, business development leaders, legal staff, and industrial contacts.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

Communications skills: Excellent oral and written communications skills and an active listener. Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills. An open and direct style. Self-confidence.Business Acumen: Must demonstrate success collaborating with technical staff in commercialization intellectual property. Understands objectives and mission of department and work unit. Ability to work efficiently across WSU organizational lines and with a variety of external organizations is essential.Analytical Skills: High degree of skill in analyzing complex situations involving multiple parties, numerous obligations, and competing interests, and in recommending and implementing appropriate courses of action that further the Labs science and technology mission is desired.Commitment: A scrupulous commitment to the interests of WSU and its research staff and objectives. Well focused, able to initiate, act independently, and make decisions. The ability to maintain confidentiality.Supervisory Skills: Ability to delegate work, set clear direction and manage workflow. Strong mentoring and coaching skills. Ability to train staff and develop subordinate's skills. Ability to foster teamwork among staff members.

School/College/Division:

Division of Research & Innovation

Primary department:

H0905 - VP Research

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
  
• Annual Salary: To be Determined
  

Working conditions:

Normal office environment.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
  

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.