Executive Director of Technology Transfer, Commercialization, Grants and Contracts
Texas Southern University
Houston, TX 77004
$130,278.45 - $169,361.98 a year
Description
Security Sensitive Position?
Yes
Hours of Work
TBD
Position Details
Position Information
Posting Number
TSU203439
Official TSU Title
Executive Director of Technology Transfer, Commercialization, Grants and Contracts
Grant Title
yes
Job Description Summary / TWC Summary
JOB PURPOSE:
Executive Director of Technology Transfer and Commercialization, Grants and Contracts will serve as a focal point for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship at the University. The mission of the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office is to provide University innovators the means to achieve commercial, economic, and social impact. The Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office team reviews innovation disclosures, conducts impact assessments, engages in protection and management of TSU intellectual property, negotiates agreements with industry, government, and startups, and charts the path towards economic and social impact.
JOB SUMMARY:
Executive Director of Technology Transfer and Commercialization, Grants and Contracts will serve as a focal point for innovation, research, and entrepreneurship at the University. The mission of the Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office is to provide University innovators the means to achieve commercial, economic, and social impact. The Technology Transfer and Commercialization Office team reviews innovation disclosures, conducts impact assessments, engages in protection and management of TSU intellectual property, negotiates agreements with industry, government, and startups, and charts the path towards economic and social impact.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Executive Director of Technology Transfer and Commercialization plays a key role in managing and protecting the intellectual property (IP) assets of TSU. This individual will oversee the identification, protection, commercialization, and transfer of technological innovations and IP rights. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in promoting commercialization, collaboration, and entrepreneurship across the campus, working with the Division of Research and Innovation Office. This role involves close collaboration with researchers, legal teams, business units, and external partners to bring innovations to market while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Executive Director will be responsible for all operational, financial, and personnel activities of the technology transfer and commercialization office to build and maintain a strong technology transfer team.
Additionally, this individual will be responsible for grants, contract development, and approval. This new hire will work closely with the TSU Legal Counsel Office, Grants and Contracts accountants, and investigators to expedite the subcontract preparation and approval process with collaborative partners. Reporting to the Vice President for Research and Innovation and the Principle Investigator and Co-Principle Investigator. The selected candidate will provide grants and contracts support for TSU research faculty and staff at the university level, including preparing subcontract documents and budgets in grant proposals, facilitating the execution of subcontracts in the post-award phase, advising, and assisting investigators on the proposal submission process related to subcontract including guidance on regulations, agency requirements, internal policies, and procedures.
Essential Duties Summary
Intellectual Property Management
- Identify, evaluate, and protect intellectual property assets, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Assist with the drafting, filing, and prosecution of patent applications and other IP-related documentation.
- Conduct IP audits to assess the organization’s existing IP portfolio and identify opportunities for further protection.
- Maintain and update IP records and databases to ensure accurate tracking of IP assets.
Technology Transfer
- Facilitate the transfer of technology from research and development teams to commercial entities or partners.
- Negotiate and draft licensing agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and other contracts related to technology commercialization.
- Collaborate with business development teams to assess market opportunities and develop strategies for IP commercialization.
- Manage relationships with external stakeholders, such as universities, research institutions, and corporate partners, to ensure smooth transfer of technologies.
Legal and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with IP laws and regulations, including international IP law, by staying up to date on changes in legislation and policy.
- Provide guidance on IP-related legal matters, including infringement issues, patent litigation, and licensing disputes.
- Work closely with legal counsel to address IP-related concerns and manage risk.
Grants and Contracts Management
- Assists faculty and staff with subcontract development in grant applications and proposals, assessing for accuracy and completeness and ensuring adherence to federal regulations, agency guidelines, and institutional policies, procedures, and timelines.
- Assists organizational representatives with issues related to grants and contracts application, approval, and execution by liaising with funding agencies and collaborators to answer questions or resolve problems. Works with Principal Investigators and their staff to resolve grants and contracts issues to ensure correct timely submission of applications and project implementation.
- Prepares the cover compliance sheet and other forms from external agencies for agreements and contracts for the General Counsel’s review and Authorized Official approval. Drafts appropriate subcontract documents and forward them to Authorized Official and General Counsel for review and to collaborating institutions.
- Maintains databases of grants and contracts in concert with other pre-award personnel to provide regular reports on the institution’s sponsored projects activities to senior-level management and local, state, and federal agencies.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
% FTE
1.0
Hiring Range
$130,278.45-$169,361.98
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Law, Engineering, Life Sciences, Business, or a related field.
Preferred:
A Master’s degree or advanced qualification in IP law, technology or a related area is preferred.
Preferred:
A Master’s degree or advanced qualification in IP law, technology or a related area is preferred.
Required Licensing/Certification
Certification in IP management (e.g., Certified Licensing Professional) is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Policies, fundraising procedures, and practices.
- Requires advanced, specialized knowledge in a job function, family, or professional discipline to handle, as necessary, the analysis and/or procedural modifications associated with non-standard work or situations; and as applicable, provides guidance and technical leadership to others in the area of expertise.
- Microsoft Office Professional or similar applications.
Skill in:
- Strong understanding of IP law, patent processes, and licensing agreements.
- Experience in technology commercialization
Work Experience
At least 3-5 years of experience in intellectual property management, technology transfer, or a related field is preferred.
Working/Environmental Conditions
- Routine office environment.
- Sitting or standing in one location much of the time.
- Some stooping, lifting, or carrying objects light weight may be required.
- Use of video display terminal.
Desired start date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Detail Information
UA EEO Statement
It is the policy of Texas Southern University to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, individuals with disability, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. This policy of equal opportunity is strictly observed in all University employment-related activities such as advertising, recruiting, interviewing, testing, employment training, compensation, promotion, termination, and employment benefits. This policy expressly prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, genetic history, national origin, individuals with disability, age, citizenship status, or protected veteran status. This policy shall be adhered to in accordance with the provisions of all applicable federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Close Date
05/16/2025
Open Until Filled (overrides close field)
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Open to all applicants.