The Licensing Analyst-Term is part of the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization at Vanderbilt University and is key individual contributor responsible for working closely with and in support of the Licensing Team to develop and implement commercialization strategies for promising technologies, particularly in the identification, protection, marketing, licensing, and management of these technologies. This position reports to the Manager, Licensing and Strategic Initiatives.

The Licensing Analyst will work closely with the other members of the Licensing Team and will provide commercialization support to faculty and specific domain expertise to CTTC. Activities will include education and outreach for both internal and external parties to raise awareness of CTTC’s function and the Vanderbilt technologies available; evaluation of invention disclosures for protectability, marketability, and policy; and preparation of marketing materials and other agreements to share information with potential licensees. Reviewing policies, drafting license and option terms, and monitoring executed licenses all fall within the scope of this role.

NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends.

The mission of Vanderbilt’s Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization is to provide professional commercialization services to the Vanderbilt community, thus optimizing the flow of innovation to the marketplace and generating revenue that supports future research activities, while having a positive impact on society. We accomplish this by serving as an efficient and effective conduit from the transfer of promising intellectual property (IP) to industry; contributing to regional economic development by licensing locally and supporting new venture creations; and encouraging greater translational research collaborations between academia and industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluation of new invention disclosures. Conducting patent prior art searches; performing marketability assessments on technologies within their technical domain; making recommendations on patenting.

• IP protection and management. Shepherding technologies through the patenting process; gaining an understanding of patent prosecution timelines and the basics of patent law.

• Marketing. Developing marketing materials for technologies under management; expanding upon early market assessments to identify target licensees and points of contact within those companies; reaching out to target contacts with marketing materials to generate interest in technologies; reporting back to inventors on marketing progress.

• Licensing Assistance. Preparing for and attending license negotiations; creating first drafts of term sheets, options agreements, and license agreements; developing an understanding of basic elements of contract law as pertaining to academic license agreements; reviewing suggested edits to license drafts and conducting research as necessary on contract elements; assisting with the monitoring and compliance efforts related to existing license agreements.

• Other transactions. Learning about the role and assisting with review of material transfer agreements (MTAs), sponsored research agreements, inter-institutional agreements, and other agreements associated with technology transfer.

• Other activities. Conducting education and outreach activities to various inventor groups within the institution; assisting with project management for various commercialization-related programs administered by CTTC; and collecting data and performing analysis and interpretation.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D. is preferred.

• Excellent writing and verbal communication, project management, conceptual, and analytical skills are necessary.

• Experience in technology licensing in an academic setting, national lab, or industry is preferred.

• An ability to work effectively and productively as a member of a team and with senior management is preferred.

• Ability to promote a positive culture of support and compliance with internal and external regulatory requirements is preferred.

• Ability to prioritize and multi-task in a collaborative, fast-paced environment is preferred.

• Knowledge and experience with regulatory compliance guidelines in the postsecondary education industry or a related sector is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.