Commercialization Manager

Requisition Id 13226 

Overview:   

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the Department of Energy’s largest science and energy laboratory and one of the nation’s leading research institutions. The Commercialization Manager at ORNL acts as an entrepreneur, responsible for enhancing technology licensing business volume.  This role involves comprehensive intellectual property portfolio management, including evaluating and selecting inventions with commercial potential, assisting the ORNL legal team in protecting intellectual property, developing, and executing marketing plans, and negotiating and finalizing commercial licenses.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Oversee all aspects of developing, protecting, marketing, and licensing a portfolio of ORNL technologies.
• Evaluate the intellectual property (IP) potential of 40-50 new inventions and copyrights annually by collaborating with ORNL inventors, patent agents, and external law firms.
• Identify commercial opportunities for the intellectual property portfolio by assessing commercial applications and markets, estimating market size, and comparing with competing technologies. Develop licensing plans based on these evaluations and patenting strategies.
• Select inventions for patenting and copyrights for assertion based on their commercial potential. Implement a marketing strategy for the IP portfolio aligned with the licensing plan.
• Proactively drive intellectual property business volume by identifying and engaging potential licensees.
• Successfully negotiate terms in license agreements and options, incorporating companies’ business plans to establish appropriate due diligence milestones.
• Collaborate with inventors, sponsors, potential licensees, and licensees to propose, promote, and negotiate solutions or agreements.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager between the ORNL Technology Transfer Division and key research directorates, providing relevant training and outreach.
• Manage the commercialization of large collaborative efforts such as the DOE Innovation Hubs.
• Assist with Material Transfer Agreements and Non-Disclosure Agreements.
• Represent ORNL at local, regional, national, and international meetings and forums related to the technology portfolio or ORNL's interests.
• Participate in national meetings of licensing associations as a speaker, workshop leader, committee member, officer, etc.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• MS degree in a physical science or engineering discipline and 4+ years of relevant experience, PhD and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• The successful candidate must be highly motivated and able to concurrently manage multiple projects.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to comprehend complex technical, business, and financial issues and the ability to assume responsibility for activities of considerable fiscal significance.
• Must also have a demonstrated ability to work with scientists and engineers who conduct basic science research and create the necessary bridges between the perspective of scientists and the perspective of potential business partners, understand the values of each party and often serve as “translator” for the goals of each.
• Exceptional written, interpersonal, communication and negotiating skills are essential as well as the ability to articulately convey ideas and concepts.
• Understanding of intellectual property law in the area of patents, copyrights, trade/service marks, and mask works as well as a basic understanding of contract law.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a physical science or engineering discipline and 4+ years in technology transfer with an additional MBA
• Prior experience in an academic and/or scientific organizational setting.
• Involvement in professional organizations (LES or AUTM), groups and committees dedicated to furthering the transition of scientific/technical developments to the commercial marketplace.

Visa Sponsorship:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Export control, No Clearance:  This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.