Director, Technology Transfer

Technology Transfer Director

We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Technology Transfer Director to lead NYGC's technology transfer operations. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional, ideally from a university or nonprofit research setting, to shape the technology transfer function at one of the world's leading genomics research centers.

The Technology Transfer Director, reporting to the VP of Legal & General Counsel, will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of technology transfer at the organization and will serve as the central point of contact for all intellectual property (IP), licensing, and industry partnership activities, working closely with NYGC scientists, leadership, and external partners. This position will operate as a department of one, with responsibility for managing the entire technology transfer function.

The successful candidate will have both the strategic vision and hands-on skills to develop policies, processes, and relationships that foster a culture of innovation and translational impact. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the commercialization strategy of a premier genomics institution and drive the translation of cutting-edge research into tangible impact on human health. The role offers significant autonomy, visibility, and the chance to collaborate with world-class scientists at the intersection of academia, industry, and medicine.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) :

• Lead NYGC's technology transfer program, including IP management, invention disclosure, patent strategy, licensing, and startup support.
• Evaluate invention disclosures for technical merit, commercial potential, and patentability, and develop targeted marketing strategies for high-value technologies.
• Oversee IP filings and prosecution in collaboration with outside counsel.
• Lead negotiation of and serve as institutional signatory for a wide range of complex agreements, including inter-institutional agreements, license agreements, option agreements, sponsored research agreements, and material transfer agreements, to facilitate effective technology commercialization.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with faculty, researchers, and institutional partners to promote awareness of technology transfer opportunities and best practices.
• Provide education and one-on-one guidance to faculty and staff on IP and tech transfer matters.
• Identify and engage with potential licensees, investors, and industry collaborators to accelerate commercialization of NYGC technologies.
• Advise NYGC leadership on IP portfolio strategy, policy development, and compliance matters.
• Serve as administrative liaison to the Board of Directors Start-Up Company Advisory Committee, including setting the agenda for all committee meetings in consultation with the committee chair.
• Track, report, and communicate outcomes of the technology commercialization portfolio to NYGC leadership.
• Represent NYGC in external partnerships, consortia, and translational initiatives across regional and national innovation ecosystems.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change.

Requirements & Qualifications :

A Bachelor of Science degree (preferably in the biological sciences) is required; an advanced degree in a STEM field, business or related discipline (PhD, MBA or JD) is strongly preferred. Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in technology transfer, IP management, research commercialization, or academic-industry relations, with at least five (5) years in a supervisory or management role. Proven track record in managing complex IP portfolios and developing IP strategies. Demonstrated expertise and advanced knowledge of U.S. patent law, and current trends, policies and best practices affecting academic technology transfer and commercialization. Proven success in identifying commercialization pathways and negotiating complex licensing agreements; Strong analytical skills for market assessment and strategic problem-solving. Strong familiarity with federal funding mechanisms (e.g., SBIR / STTR), research compliance, and startup incubation. Superior negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills. Ability to successfully work with academic faculty, researchers and collaborating institutions while balancing mission-driven and commercial priorities.

Preferred :

Experience in genomics, bioinformatics, or related fields. Strong familiarity with nonprofit research organizations and complex academic-industry collaborations. Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) or Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) certification strongly preferred.

Competencies :

Technical and Professional Skills : Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.

Collaborative & Communicative : Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.

Adaptable & Innovative : Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.

Work Flexibility :

NYGC has established a flexible work policy to give employees and other staff more ability to balance their work, personal commitments, and commuting challenges. The incumbent in this position is eligible for a flexible work schedule or hybrid remote work arrangement (minimum of three days per week working onsite) with supervisory approval. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Salary & Benefits :

The pay range for this position is $210,000 - $250,000 per year; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, NYGC offers a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits as well as generous time off. This includes Medical / Dental / Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Holidays, Sick, and Other Leave, including a paid winter break; a 401(k) match; Life Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; employee Tuition Reimbursement; flexible schedules and telework options for some positions; an Employee Assistance Program; and much more.

About the New York Genome Center :

The New York Genome Center (NYGC) is an independent, nonprofit, academic research organization dedicated to advancing genomic research. NYGC scientists and staff are furthering new approaches to diagnosing and treating neurological diseases and cancer through their unique capabilities in whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, state-of-the art analytics, and the development of genomic tools. NYGC concentrates specifically on disease-based research in the following areas : neuropsychiatric disease (autism, schizophrenia, bipolar); neurodegenerative disease (ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's), and cancer.

Located in Lower Manhattan, the New York Genome Center was founded by and remains closely affiliated with the leading academic medical centers and research universities in the New York region, engaging in research projects with and for these institutions. Essential to our collaborative work is an outstanding faculty, whose members typically hold a joint appointment at NYGC and a partner university. They support our scientific mission by conducting independent research in areas of mutual interest to us and the wider scientific community.

Equal Opportunity :

We are committed to fostering a workplace environment that is welcoming and fair to all, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to thrive. We believe that bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to greater collaboration, innovation, and discovery. Valuing and supporting each employee in reaching their full potential strengthens our organization and enhances our collective success. We recognize that creating an environment where all employees feel valued and included requires sustained effort and dedication from the entire organization.

The New York Genome Center is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, protected veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, partnership status, caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NYGC takes affirmative action in support of its policy to hire and advance in employment individuals who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

FLSA Status - Exempt

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.