The University of Tennessee Research Foundation provides technology transfer for the University of Tennessee and assists the University of Tennessee in cultivating an environment inclusive of scientific and entrepreneurial excellence. Through offices in Knoxville and Memphis, UTRF connects UT’s research community to industry and startups by strategically evaluating, protecting, and licensing technology.
Technology Manager Job Responsibilities
Reporting to the VP, the Assistant Technology Manager/ Associate Technology Manager/ Technology Manager, is responsible for identifying technologies with commercial applications primarily from non-STEM colleges; evaluating the commercial potential of technologies and their potential industry partners; preparing non-confidential technical information for marketing; developing and implementing specific marketing strategies for technologies; negotiating business agreements relating to commercialization of UTRF technologies; assisting UT researchers and startups in accessing program funds and other capital to assist in technology development and commercialization; and assisting in the management of UTRF student teams.
Specifically, the Assistant Technology Manager/ Associate Technology Manager/ Technology Manager, will be responsible for:
- Building relationships with researcher to identify new intellectual property.
- Performing comprehensive and strategic evaluations of technologies, including determinations of patentability, commercial potential, and path-to-market.
- Managing patent preparation and prosecution. This includes selection of external patent counsel, working with the researchers, patent coordinator to file applications prior to publication dates, and overseeing ongoing prosecution.
- Developing and deploying an effective marketing strategy to attract industry partners.
- Negotiating commercialization agreements.
- Overseeing active licenses to ensure licensee compliance.
- Promoting and supporting faculty and student entrepreneurship.
- Advise researchers on strategy to advance their technology and increase the commercial viability through internal collaboration, connecting researchers, and through prioritizing critical studies to position the technology assets for commercialization
- Perform outreach and educational activities for faculty and staff on entrepreneurial opportunities, including on-campus office hours.
Due to export control restrictions the successful candidate must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a green card.
The successful candidate will have:
- Bachelor’s degree in STEM discipline plus 3 years of relevant professional experience related to the aforementioned duties.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to quickly understand unfamiliar research and technologies.
The preferred candidate will have:
- MBA with 2 plus years of related experience
- PhD
- JD, or Patent Agent
- Familiarity with intellectual property law.
- Experience in STEM.
- Experience working in/with technology startup(s) or business incubators such as EIR, MIRs, etc.
Application Process
For full consideration applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, resume and three references. Review of applications will begin immediately.
Compensation for the position will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience within the proper market range.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, click here.