Scheduled Hours

20

Position Summary

The Business Development Director is responsible for managing a portion of the University’s intellectual property portfolio with the mission of transferring it to commercial companies for the benefit of society. The BDD will be responsible for handling highly complex license agreements, a large portfolio of IP for the most active faculty, and training and mentoring licensing associates and trainees. These responsibilities will be completed with minimal direction from the Associate Director. The BDD will be expected to direct high-profile initiatives for the benefit of OTM and contribute toward outreach to potential and existing inventors. The BDD job is an advanced-level licensing position for OTM.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees licensing associates in assigning tasks to invention disclosure assessment and reassessments and working with LAs on marketing activities, as well as providing training, mentoring and evaluation of Technology Transfer Trainees.
• Works with legal counsel to protect intellectual property either through patenting or other proper tactics for assigned portfolio. Work directly with patent coordinator and internal legal counsel (OGC) on patent costs and filing tactics with outside patent law firms.
• Works with the marketing function to market top tier technologies.
• Maintains and builds relationships with industry contacts as licensees and/or potential licensees.
• Manages IP portfolio and decisions on future license potential.
• Negotiates key terms and execute complex license agreement with established companies and start-ups.
• Manages a large and complex portfolio of existing licenses with respect to technology development, milestones, and non-financial terms of the licensees.
• Directs high-profile initiatives as identified by department.
• Communicates with and educate investigators, researchers and students, along with departments and schools in order to better understand the potential for inventions from the research done at WU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in closing complex business transactions and licenses with large established companies and start-ups.
• Business experience in private industry or an MBA degree would be a plus.
• The Business Development Director should have demonstrated people-management skills.
• Ability to assess the potential for a nascent technology in the commercial arena.
• The person must have excellent leadership and communication skills and be able to represent department inside and outside WU.
• The Business Development Director must have a demonstrated ability to make appropriate decisions as it relates to technology transfer activities.
• Exceptional and demonstrated ability to provide superior customer service to internal and external clients is also required.
• The Business Development Director must have excellent communication and people-management skills.

Required Qualifications

• Education includes advanced degree, MS or PhD, in the life/biological science, medicine, biomedical engineering, engineering, or physical sciences.
• Ten years working experience in a university technology transfer office or in commercial development within the private sector is required.

Grade

G17

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.