Technology Transfer Specialist

Pay Grade/Pay Range:   Minimum: $53,500 - Midpoint: $66,900 (Salaried E8)

Department/Organization: 702109 - Innovation & Commercialization

Normal Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for remote work subject to University policy .

Job Summary:  The Technology Transfer Specialist analyzes the details of research contracts and agreements, including intellectual property and technology transfer agreements. Negotiates with other parties over terms and conditions. Produces drafts of contracts to be reviewed by upper management.

Additional Department Summary:  The Office for Innovation & Commercialization (OIC) protects and commercializes the innovations generated by University faculty, staff, and students through licenses to industry partners or via the formation of spin-off enterprises based on University technologies. Manages a portfolio of intellectual properties. Performs comprehensive evaluations of invention disclosures (determination of patentability, commercial potential, and path to market of the disclosed invention). Creates reports for Intellectual Property Committee review and discussion. Coordinates with external patent counsel to file and prosecute patent applications. Participates in the negotiation and execution of business agreements including IIA’s, NDA’s, MTA’s, SRA, etc. Coordinates and assists faculty members with funding support. Builds and maintains productive relationships with faculty, students, and staff proactively to stimulate passion for innovation and to identify new intellectual property. Provides educational programs and outreach with regard to current processes and available resources. Coordinates and executes License Agreements with external organizations. Recruits, trains, and supervises student intern(s) who will assist with the evaluation of disclosed technologies. Trains interns on the basics of Intellectual Property law and Contract law that is related to technology transfer. Assists start-ups with business organization formation planning. Works on a federally funded project for the National Science Foundation's ART (Accelerating Research Translation) Program.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Juris Doctor or PhD and one (1) year of technology transfer experience. Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of this work, applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents; (3) asylees or refugees; OR (4) individuals otherwise described as "protected individuals" according to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).

Skills and Knowledge:  Demonstrated effective organizational, interpersonal, analytical, and verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects. Ability to quickly understand unfamiliar research and technologies. Ability to effectively communicate with various constituents (University community, potential external partners, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:  Familiarity with intellectual property laws and customary agreements used in technology transfer. Experience working with invention disclosures and patent searches. Experience working in a tech transfer office.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

As the state’s flagship university, The University of Alabama family has always focused on being the best. After all, we are The Capstone of Higher Education. Founded in 1831 as the state’s first public college, The University of Alabama is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and service. We provide a creative, nurturing campus environment where our students can become the best individuals possible, learn from the best and brightest faculty, and make a positive difference in the community, the state and the world. You’ll like what you find here. Become part of The University of Alabama family.