Skip to Main Content

Job Title


Senior Licensing Associate


Company : University of Pittsburgh


Location : Pittsburgh, PA


Created : 2026-04-06


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Senior Licensing AssociateInnovation Institute - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26001900)u00a0The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship is seeking a qualified Senior Licensing Associate. The Senior Licensing Associate is responsible for managing a portfolio of intellectual property cases and will be primarily responsible for working with faculty in the physical sciences (i.e. materials, chemicals, electrical, energy, software, copyrights).Job duties will include, but not be limited to:u2022 Develops and oversees licensing opportunities for University intellectual property, including patents, copyrights and other intellectual property.u2022 Manages a portfolio of intellectual property cases, including evaluating inventions for marketability and patentability; developing and executing commercialization strategies for inventions; and actively marketing discoveries to industry partners.u2022 Researches, analyzes, identifies, and qualifies potential new University licensing opportunities. Negotiates license, option, and other industry-sponsored commercial agreements. Ensures agreement compliance.u2022 Conducts portfolio reviews. Reviews and monitors legal costs associated with licensing relating to portfolio management.u2022 Maintains accurate files/records and databases for licensing agreements. Prepares reports as needed.u2022 Management of Patent Prosecution in connection with outside counsel, and responsibility for making Patent Maintenance decisions in coordination with inventors, licensees, and other groups within the organization.This position requires:u2022 Ability to work closely with University inventors, educating on intellectual property matters and development of inventive concepts and invention disclosures prior to the preparation and filing of a patent application.u2022 Ability to function in a fast-paced team-based environment, working across various teams within the organization, including new ventures, industry & economic partnerships, IP, government compliance, etc.u2022 Knowledge about patent requirements as well as patent prosecution.u2022 Knowledge about intellectual property licensing practices with a focus primarily on patents; some familiarity with copyright licensing will also be beneficial for this role.u2022 Must have demonstrable experience and the ability to formulate and to close corporate deals and exhibit entrepreneurial skills. The ability to work on multiple, complex transactions is essential to success in this position.An advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant physical science field is highly preferred; an MBA is helpful.Three to five years of technology transfer experience, or of relevant experience, preferred. Some aspect of the intellectual property licensing process from a business perspective is also preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with academic technology transfer experience.The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship inspires, educates, and enables others to make an impact on society, improve the regional economy and transform their own careers. The office is composed of four units: The Innovation Institute, the Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships, the Big Idea Center for student innovation, and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. For more information, please visit the website at:u00a0innovation.pitt.edu.u00a0Job SummaryDevelops and oversees licensing opportunities for intellectual properties and manages a portfolio of cases. Determines and negotiates potential University licensing opportunities and executes commercialization strategies for inventions. Initiates communications with and qualifies potential licensees, conducts patent portfolio reviews, leads certain budgetary functions, writes agreements, and ensures the University's patent rights are secured.Essential FunctionsPosition is administrative in nature and requires duties that are performed in an office environment. Requires strong comp ter skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.Physical EffortPosition is mostly sedentary but may be required to travel to various on and off campus meetings.Assignment Category:u00a0Full-time regularJob Classification:u00a0Staff.Licensing Specialist IIJob Family:u00a0ResearchJob Sub Family:u00a0LicensingCampus:u00a0PittsburghMinimum Education Level Required:u00a0Bachelor's DegreeMinimum Years of Experience Required:u00a01Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience:u00a0NoWork Schedule:u00a0Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.Work Arrangement:u00a0Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.Hiring Range:u00a0To be determined based on qualificationsRelocation_Offered:u00a0NoVisa Sponsorship Provided:u00a0NoBackground Check:u00a0For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background checkChild Protection Clearances:u00a0Not ApplicableRequired Documents:u00a0Resume, Cover LetterOptional Documents:u00a0Not ApplicablePI283564112