Senior Invention Associate

Department: Innovation and New Ventures
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

Senior Invention Associate participates in the management of patent prosecution strategy, licensing, and commercialization of select University-generated intellectual property. Works with Invention Management team in promoting the mission and business of the department through the development of strong relationships with inventors, legal counsel, prospective and actual licensees, and colleagues.

In addition, the Senior Invention Associate will focus on developing leads to market NU technologies. The incumbent will update and maintain the contact list, actively reach out to companies interested in our technologies, and facilitate meetings between INVO, the inventors, and outside interested parties. They will generate contacts for all INVO portfolios and work with IMS and senior leaders to identify and connect with the relevant industries with the goal of increasing licensing of NU technologies.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Screens inventions; evaluates and participates in the decision on which inventions to pursue for commercialization.
• Works with Invention Management team on patent filing and prosecution process for selected inventions.
• Works with Invention Management team on negotiating licenses and other agreements. Monitors license diligence, performance, compliance, and payment of associated fees.
• Researches issues and compiles information related to various agreements, contracts and licenses; prepares for negotiation and execution of licenses and inter-institutional agreements.
• Negotiate and executes confidentiality agreements; coordinates with support staff on managing such agreements; Assist with marketing plans for inventions. As appropriate, implement invention marketing plans and campaigns. Identify companies working in relevant fields, monitor competitive landscape and apply valuation methods to value INVO technology.
• Manage outreach and marketing of NU technologies to potential industry partners, investors, and other stakeholders including

Technology Assessment and Positioning:

• Collaborate with technology transfer and licensing teams to understand university-developed technologies' technical aspects and commercial potential.
• Identify unique selling points and competitive advantages of the IP.

Marketing Strategy Development:

• Develop marketing strategies for promoting university technologies and IP portfolios. Develop contact lists in INVO's CRM
• Create targeted marketing campaigns tailored to industry sectors and potential licensees.

Outreach and Industry Engagement:

• Identify and engage with potential industry partners, licensees, and investors through direct outreach and networking events.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders in relevant industries.

Collaboration and Internal Coordination:

• Support faculty and researchers in understanding commercialization pathways

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• B.S. degree in life science or similar or the equivalent in education, experience and training along with a minimum of 2 years experience in intellectual property development, relevant industry experience or demonstrated experience bridging research science to commercialization prospects.
• Proven experience connecting and facilitating meetings and providing customer support
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Advanced degree in life science is highly preferred.
• Experience with information and knowledge of relational databases.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $86,000 to $95,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.