Montana Career Opportunity – Manager – Intellectual Property – Montana State University

Search Number 8535-3

Starting Date Immediately following completion of search process or as negotiated.

Salary Competitive salary dependent on education, qualifications and experience.

Departmental
Information

The Technology Transfer Office assists faculty with the disclosure, patenting and licensing of processes, products or creative works that may have commercial potential. It also seeks sponsored research from private industry and helps outside users gain access to University facilities, services and specialized equipment.Getting university inventions into the marketplace is a priority for the Montana University System. University leaders recognize that economic growth in Montana and other areas is fueled, in part, by new inventions.

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To see MSU technologies available for licensing please go to: http://tto.montana.edu/technologies

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At MSU, responsibility for moving technology into the private sector rests with the Technology Transfer Office. This office has facilitated well over 100 licenses for MSU technologies, over 70 of them with Montana companies. More than 80 patents have been issued on the university’s inventions, with another 136 pending. The office manages intellectual property–the inventions of MSU faculty, staff and sometimes students– in accordance with federal law and the policies of the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education.

Duties and
Responsibilities

We are seeking a high-energy person who is detail oriented and highly organized; who has excellent customer service skills; and who can function well in an environment in which there are concurrent projects, competing priorities, and frequent deadlines.

The position is responsible for managing patent filings and working closely with external patent counsel on the filings and on responses to office actions, docketing, and maintaining all correspondence related to the patenting. Work is business-proprietary or confidential in nature. Works closely with scientists and industry to organize responses to the simultaneous prosecution of multiple patents in an organized and timely fashion. Communicates with personnel in industry and government at all levels to gather information, facilitate workflow, promote communication, and prepare reports. Must be able to efficiently perform research functions including Internet research. Responsible for managing invoices for all legal work and for bookkeeping of technology related revenue receipt and distribution. Performs database updates and management and updates office website with current technologies. Identifys problems and determine appropriate solutions, working independently with minimum supervision. Maintains a professional and proactive attitude in order to help operation run smoothly at all times.

Required
Qualifications

1. Bachelors degree OR Associates degree or Paralegal certification with relevant successful work experience may be considered.

2. Experience working with customers and/or clients providing exceptional customer service.

3. Experience working with, and possessing a high degree of, computer literacy, including experience working with databases.

4. Experience working in contract management.

5. Knowledge of basic contract law.

Preferred
Qualifications

1. MBA

2. Knowledge of the patent prosecution process.

3. Working knowledge of intellectual property management (e.g., patenting and licensing).

4. Experience with legal documentation and communication regarding licensing.

The Successful
Candidate Will have exemplary oral and written communication skills; possess high levels of organizational abilities in a business environment; demonstrates collegiality and ability to work in a team environment. Will possess advanced analytical skills; have the ability to organize, track and follow-up on contract issues, perform on a multi-task level with effective attention to detail. Applicant will be highly motivated and able to work independently, able to meet deadlines, exhibit strong ethical and confidentiality considerations, be comfortable dealing with management, exhibit sound knowledge of standard business office practices and procedures and be conscious of public image while providing exceptional customer service.

Application
Procedure

Screening of applications will begin January 2, 2008 and will continue until a suitable candidate has been hired. To apply, applicants should submit: (1) a cover letter that specifically addresses the required and preferred qualifications listed above; (2) a resume and (3) the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references. Electronic applications will be accepted but must be followed with a signed letter of application/cover letter mailed to the address listed below. Submit materials to:

MSU Technology Transfer Office

Attention: Linda LaCrone

207 Montana Hall

P O Box 172460

Bozeman, MT 59717-2460

406-994-7355

[email protected]

Questions regarding this position may be directed to [email protected] or 406-994-7868

http://www.montana.edu/cgi-bin/msuinfo/fpview/p/8535-3