UBC Vancouver Campus - Vancouver, BC, Canada, Canada
Onsite
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
August 31, 2027
This is a 12-month term position.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Description Summary
The UILO’s mission is to maximize the global impact of UBC’s research for the economic and social benefit of the University, and the people of British Columbia and Canada. We do this through innovation and excellence in developing and commercializing technologies.
The position is critical to the evaluation, development and commercialization of University research in the physical sciences, engineering, and information technologies through technology evaluation, intellectual property protection, market research, and marketing of technologies.
Organizational Status
Reports to Technology Transfer Managers at the Point Grey Campus, Vancouver BC. Works with Technology Transfer Managers on a project by project basis.
Work Performed
(A) Commercialization of University Technology (80%):
Evaluates University technologies to assess their commercial potential:
i) Sources and reviews scientific and patent literature to determine patentability of the technology;
ii) Researches the marketplace to determine economic potential of the technology;
iii) Works with patent counsel and inventors to gain a technical understanding of the invention and its full application; and
iv) Prepares and completes a thorough Technology Evaluation Report for review with the inventor and Technology Transfer Manager.
Assists in the protection of University intellectual property ( IP ):
i) Determines the most appropriate form of IP protection (copyright, patent, trademark);
ii) Directs the preparation and filing of IP documentation with Canadian or foreign patent offices;
iii) Aids patent agents in prosecuting patents through to issuance; and
iv) Assists in the preparation and drafting of provisional patent applications.
Markets University technologies to local, national and international business:
i) Researches market opportunities;
ii) Drafts technical marketing material;
iii) Disseminates marketing information through industrial contacts, trade associations, and technical or academic publications;
iv) Follows up with interested contacts by providing additional information; and
v) Prepares Confidentiality Agreements to facilitate discussions with potential commercial partners.
Assists in licensing University technologies to local, national and international business:
i) Recommends appropriate royalty structures by analyzing current market norms, preparing revenue projections; and,
ii) Monitors the licensee performance for compliance with the terms of the agreement.
(B) Assists in the Knowledge Mobilization and Translation activities undertaken by the UILO (5%), such as:
i) The development and engagement of new open innovation IP channels such as data/material repositories, IP aggregation channels, open source, and patent pools for the dissemination of research artifacts developed at UBC and our Affiliated Teaching Hospitals.
ii) Assisting UBC groups to develop knowledge translation strategies and work plans, identifying and connecting with relevant partners and resources, sourcing seed funding and developing sustainable funding models.
(C) Collaborative Research (10%):
i) Works closely with faculty in the drafting of grant applications to support research aimed at increasing the commercial potential of technologies;
ii) Negotiates and manages non-disclosure agreements to facilitate discussions between researchers and industry as they relate to potential research collaborations; and
iii) May work closely with the Sponsored Research Staff and Technology Transfer Managers to identify specific areas of potential scientific conflict, IP conflict and/ or overlap between industry collaborations, and/or existing licensees.
(D) Special Projects (5%):
i) Assignment of special projects related to improving the UILO’s processes are anticipated on an ad hoc basis.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Major financial decisions are made by the UILO based on the initial evaluation of an invention and errors may result in the loss of significant economic opportunities for the University. These decisions could affect the likelihood and/or financial magnitude of industry sponsored research or the long-term value and viability of a new technology. The potential losses may reach millions of dollars. The decisions may also damage the reputation of the faculty, the UILO and the University, or expose the University to unwarranted legal liability. In many cases, the results of the decisions are irreversible.
Supervision Received
The incumbent must be able to work independently, and in consultation with other professional staff in the UILO and with minimal direction from the Technology Transfer Managers on all evaluation and marketing projects. The incumbent also works under the direction of Technology Transfer Managers in dealing with complex licensing and/or spin-off company formation deals. Work is reviewed against objectives.
Supervision Given
May oversee and direct interns that are resources for technology evaluations or marketing. Interacts on a project by project basis with a range of external consultants, including patent agents, legal counsel and marketing consultants.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of six years of related experience in research and technology transfer, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Graduate degree in Physical Sciences or Engineering preferred, supported by relevant experience in the areas of product marketing or technical service. A degree in business or related experience in negotiating business arrangements would be an asset. Knowledge of relevant business practices.
Effective and proven proficiency to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
Ability to simultaneously manage a diverse range of complex projects and activities with critical deadlines and time factors.
Working knowledge of current intellectual property protection.
Ability to effectively use MS Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and Powerpoint at an advanced level.
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