Technology Management Officer

Competition 1166

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff (TLAPO) Agreement, this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of  $63,090 to $105,189. This position has a term length of one year with a possibility of renewal contingent upon funding availability.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at Enterprise Square, Edmonton. The candidate must be available to work in-person a minimum of 3 days per week.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Position 

Reporting to the Director, Technology Transfer, the Technology Management Officer is responsible for overseeing technology transfer and commercialization activities stemming from inventions developed at the University of Alberta and other post-secondary institutions (PSIs) in the Greater Edmonton Region. This pivotal role involves developing and implementing intellectual property strategies, negotiating legal agreements, and staying informed about the commercialization landscape to drive economic growth and societal benefit through innovation.

Duties 

Intellectual Property (IP) – Portfolio Management and Strategy

• Assess IP potential and formulate IP strategies for innovations developed within the University and PSIs in the Greater Edmonton Region.
• Manage a substantial technology portfolio, evaluating IP and commercial potential through patent and market research.
• Work with international law firms in securing appropriate intellectual property protection (patent, copyright, trademark, industrial design), within budget constraints.
• Collaborate with inventors to establish international IP protection strategies, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and budget constraints.
• Maintain current knowledge of IP practices and attend relevant webinars and conferences.

Intellectual Property (IP) – Contract Management, Rights, and Obligations

• Independently review and negotiate Material Transfer Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements, and interinstitutional agreements to manage financial and commercialization obligations for UA researchers engaging in external academic collaborations.
• The role requires an understanding of the science behind the agreement and extensive working knowledge of the legal language.
• Advise University groups on IP terms in agreements and share best practices within the team.

Development Funding and Partnerships

• Secure grant funding and establish industry partnerships to enhance early-stage innovations.
• Prepare commercialization strategies, write commercialization plans, and promote technologies to industry through various channels.
• Attend trade shows and conferences to network and promote technologies.

Licensing

• Transfer technologies to commercialization partners, manage licensee relationships and enforce license compliance.
• Lead in drafting and negotiating licensing term sheets and agreements.
• Act as the primary contact for license compliance in consultation with supervisor and legal counsel, take steps to enforce license terms or terminate licenses as needed.

Spin-off Formation

• Work with University researchers to identify and secure the University’s economic interest in spin-off companies.
• Provide connections to resources and in-kind support as needed.

Administration, Communication, and Reporting

• Maintain effective relationships with the University and city community to promote technology transfer activities and educate researchers on intellectual property matters.
• Record metrics, participate in seminars, arrange publicity, and assist in team mentoring and training activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of M.Sc. in Engineering or Physical Science; Ph.D. preferred
• Five years of experience in technology management
• Demonstrated ability to quickly understand and handle a broad scientific range of inventions
• Knowledge of basic and ongoing changes to patent, copyright, and trademark law (statutory and case law)
• Ability to successfully negotiate business terms and draft complex legal agreements with industry counterparts
• Knowledgeable and current about industry research and key receptors for licensing
• Highly organized with an ability to manage a portfolio of inventions at various stages of the evaluation-marketing-licensing process
• Experience in dealing with multi-department issues (research account debt, contract matters, conflict of interest) that may touch on technology transfer activities
• Analytical skills with the ability to problem-solve on complex matters
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations and to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Capacity to operate effectively in a business service-oriented environment

Along with your resume, please include a cover letter that outlines your experience in technology licensing.