<p>Syracuse University seeks a visionary and experienced Director of Technology Transfer to lead its technology commercialization enterprise. The Director will lead the university's efforts to commercialize intellectual property (IP) and support the translation of university-owned innovations into societal and economic impact. The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in university-based technology transfer, IP management, and commercialization.</p> <p>The Director will evaluate invention disclosures to assess their commercial potential and develop targeted marketing strategies for high-value technologies. They will lead the negotiation and execution of a wide range of complex agreements, including inter-institutional agreements, license agreements, option agreements, and material transfer agreements, to facilitate effective technology commercialization. They will manage strategic relationships including other universities and industry partners, to ensure the smooth and collaborative transfer of technologies across institutional boundaries.</p> <p>This is a pivotal role at the intersection of research, innovation, and industry engagement. The Director will report to the Vice President for Research and collaborate with faculty, legal counsel, entrepreneurs, and external partners.</p> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>JD or Ph.D. in a STEM field, business, or a related discipline. </li><li>Seven (7+) plus years of progressive experience in technology transfer, intellectual property, licensing, or university-industry relations. </li></ul> <p>Skills and Knowledge</p> <ul> <li>Strong understanding of U.S. patent law, and current trends, policies and best practices affecting university technology transfer and commercialization. </li><li>Proven experience identifying commercialization pathways and negotiating complex licensing and related agreements. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to assess and prioritize a diverse IP portfolio and market university technologies. </li><li>Experience leading a tech transfer office or managing professional staff in a research university setting. </li><li>Familiarity with federal funding mechanisms (e.g., SBIR/STTR), research compliance, and startup incubation. </li><li>Experience with IP management software and metrics platforms (e.g., Inteum, Sophia, Wellspring). </li><li>Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. </li><li>Ability to build trust and credibility with faculty, legal counsel, and external stakeholders. </li></ul> <p>Responsibilities</p> <p>Intellectual Property Management and Licensing:</p> <ul> <li>Manage the full IP lifecycle including invention disclosures, patent prosecution, and licensing. </li><li>Oversee portfolio strategy, ensure compliance with federal and institutional IP policies, and negotiate complex technology transfer agreements. </li><li>Evaluate market and commercialization pathways for university inventions. </li></ul> <p>Industry Partnerships & External Outreach, Startup Support:</p> <ul> <li>Build and maintain relationships with corporate partners, investors, accelerators, and economic development organizations to facilitate licensing, sponsored research, and collaborative opportunities. </li><li>Promote SU innovations to external audiences. </li><li>Collaborate with faculty to provide support for startup formation, funding, and commercialization strategy. </li></ul> <p>Compliance, Strategic Planning, Oversight and Metrics:</p> <ul> <li>Ensure technology transfer operations are compliant with applicable regulations. </li><li>Lead strategic direction for the tech transfer office. </li><li>Supervise staff, manage budgets, track KPIs (e.g., disclosures, patents, revenue), manage day-to-day operations, ensure close collaboration with Office of University Counsel on technology transfer, and preparation of reports to university leadership. </li></ul> <p>Researcher Engagement:</p> <ul> <li>Actively engage faculty to identify innovations with commercial potential. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders (e.g. Innovation Law Center) to educate researchers on IP, commercialization, and university policies. </li><li>Other duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Physical Requirements</p> <ul> <li>Tools/Equipment </li><li>Application Instructions </li></ul> <p>In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.</p>