How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Summary
University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships works with U-M researchers to protect, develop, and license research innovations to either existing industry partners or newly formed startups. The goal is for these innovations to be transformed into products or services that address the world?s greatest challenges. The office is seeking a full-time Fellow to work with the Licensing team to assist in researching the commercial potential of innovative research discoveries reported to our office by U-M researchers.
Who We Are
The University of Michigan is one of the world's most powerful engines for scholarly research, service, and impact. Sustaining and supporting the University's robust research enterprise are vital for maximizing innovation and economic growth. As a service and resource for researchers interested in commercialization of technologies and research discoveries, Innovation Partnerships is a unit of the Office of Research that plays a central role in helping to ensure that society realizes the benefits of the research conducted at the University of Michigan.
Innovation Partnerships enhances research discoveries to encourage licensing and broad deployment with existing businesses and newly-formed U-M startups. Innovation Partnerships has earned a reputation for performance among the top 10 of all universities through providing responsive, professional service to our inventors, industry partners and ecosystem collaborators.
Responsibilities*
As part of the role, you will:
- Research and analyze the scientific, market, and patent potential for inventions.
- Prepare technology marketing abstracts and other marketing materials for inventions.
- Identifying potential licensees or investors for inventions.
- Prepare slide decks for weekly invention review meetings.
- Coordinate PhD students and post-docs that assist with the above on a part-time basis.
- Negotiate certain technology agreements, such as confidentiality agreements.
In this role, you will gain experience with assessing the patent potential for new inventions; identifying potential applications for research discoveries; identifying key commercialization challenges for early-stage technologies; marketing early-stage technologies to existing companies or new startup management; investors; trends in very early-stage technologies. This job is ideal for individuals seeking to enter the field of academic tech transfer or gain commercialization experience for a career in technology.
This position is a three-year, term-limited position.
Required Qualifications*
Advanced degree in a scientific field, ideally in engineering or another physical sciences field, or other experience enabling you to understand invention disclosures in a variety of scientific fields; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment; ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines; detail oriented with ability to work on multiple projects at the same time; growth- mindset with a willingness to learn new terms, technologies, and concepts both through hands-on experience, self-directed training, and formal training provided by other members of the office; willingness to accept and adopt feedback from members of the Licensing team. Full- time applicants are preferred, but part-time applicants able to work at least 20 hours/week in the office will be considered. Fellows are expected to make at least a twelve-month commitment to the office.
Additional Information
Don't meet every single requirement for this position? At U-M we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.