Executive Director of Office Technology Transfer Innovation - (STA012934)

Leads the Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation and oversees the technology transfer activities at the University of Houston; promotes the generation of Intellectual Property (IP), manages the University's extensive IP portfolio, licenses IP to existing companies and startups, supports the formation of startups, and the eventual commercialization of technology.

1. Increase the Commercialization of UH IP: Establish and maintain a technology transfer process to ensure optimal monetization of the IP portfolio. This includes preparation of marketing plans, valuation, and negotiating/executing licenses and options.
2. Increase Industry Sponsored Research: Build relationships with and serve as a primary point of contact with potential industrial partners, including the protection of UH IP through involvement in research contracts with industry. Provide input to the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) on business and IP terms prior to OCG executing industry sponsored research agreements.
3. Ensure effective operation and stewardship of UH IP assets: Convene the Faculty Senate appointed IP Committee for recommendation and approval of IP, oversee management of the UH patent portfolio (300+ patents) and selection of outside counsel for patent prosecution (approximately $2m/yr spend).
4. Increase the number of UH startups: Provide guidance and mentoring to faculty and student start-ups that are part of the innovation enterprise. This includes providing training and ensuring an effective interface with the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship (WCE).
5. Ensure effective operation of the innovation ecosystem at ERP. This includes marketing the facilities/capabilities, sub-leasing space in ERP 4 and ERP 5 to external companies, developing a suite of incubation capabilities (ex: accounting and legal advice) available to startups, and helping identify funding opportunities
6. Increase the Generation of IP: Develop patent portfolios and intellectual property with faculty, research staff, and students, and provide early stage feedback on potential licensing opportunities.
7. Perform other duties as required.

EEO/AA

Additional Job Posting Information:

• Energy, Healthcare and Digital Ecosystems familiarity and experience is preferred

• Manage IP processes and portfolios to ensure best practices are being followed.
• Fostering and engaging collaborative efforts with internal and external stakeholders
• Manages the Office of Technology Transfer and Innovation staff and serves as liaison for the department.
  
• Department is willing to accept education in lieu of experience.

Qualifications :

Education: Requires application of advanced principles, techniques and theory in a professional discipline or a thorough general business management knowledge of more than one professional disciplines. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a directly job-related Master's degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed.Experience: Requires a minimum of ten (10) years of directly job-related experience.

Notes to Applicant: Salary commensurate based on candidate's education and experience.