Invention Associate

Department: Innovation and New Ventures
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

Provide a brief description of the general nature of the position; an overview of why the job exists; and what the job is to accomplish.

Invention Associate participates in managing patent prosecution strategy, licensing, and commercialization of select University-generated intellectual property in Life Sciences or Physical Sciences. Works with the Invention Management team to promote the department’s mission and business through the development of strong relationships with inventors, legal counsel, prospective and actual licenses, and colleagues.

The Invention Associate will focus on creating non-confidential summaries (NCS) of INVO technology and helping to develop leads to market the technologies. They will update and maintain the contact list, actively reach out to companies interested in our technologies, and help facilitate meetings between INVO, the inventors, and outside interested parties. They will generate contacts for all INVO portfolios and work with IMS and senior leaders to identify and connect with the relevant industries with the goal to increase the licensing of NU technologies.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

Under the direction of Lisa Dhar, Assoc Vice President for INVO, helps the Invention Managers (IMs) develop NCS and manage outreach and marketing of NU technologies to potential industry partners, investors, and other stakeholders including:

• Technology Assessment and Positioning:
• Collaborate with technology transfer and licensing teams to understand university-developed technologies’ technical aspects and commercial potential.
• Identify unique selling points and competitive advantages of the IP.
• Marketing Strategy Development:
• Help IMs develop marketing strategies for promoting university technologies and IP portfolios. Manage contact lists in INVO’s CRM
• Assist with creating targeted marketing campaigns tailored to industry sectors and potential licensees.
• Outreach and Industry Engagement:
• Assist IMs in identifying and engaging with potential industry partners, licensees, and investors through direct outreach and networking events.
• Help IMs develop relationships with key stakeholders in relevant industries.
• Collaboration and Internal Coordination:
• Support faculty and researchers in understanding commercialization pathways

Screens inventions; evaluates and participates in the decision on which inventions to pursue for commercialization:

• Works with Invention Management team on patent filing and prosecution process for selected inventions.
• Works with Invention Management team on negotiating licenses and other agreements. Monitors license diligence, performance, compliance, and payment of associated fees.
• Researches issues and compiles information related to various agreements, contracts and licenses; prepares for negotiation and execution of licenses and inter-institutional agreements.
• Negotiate and executes confidentiality agreements; coordinates with support staff on managing such agreements; Assist with marketing plans for inventions. As appropriate, implement invention marketing plans and campaigns. Identify companies working in relevant fields, monitor competitive landscape and apply valuation methods to value INVO technology.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS) Identify the minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the job. Qualifications include education, experience, specialized knowledge, professional certification.

• B.S. degree in life science or similar or the equivalent in education, experience and training along with a minimum of 2 years experience in intellectual property development, relevant industry experience or demonstrated experience bridging research science to commercialization prospects.
• Proven experience connecting and facilitating meetings and providing customer support
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications and analytical skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS)

• Advanced degree in life science is highly preferred.
• Experience with information and knowledge of relational databases.
• Completion of an accredited plumbing or HVAC service technician apprenticeship program, or the equivalent education, training, and field experience;
• Five years field experience working at journeyman level
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and regulations including OSHA, BOCA, NFPA, local municipality regulations, and state and local plumbing codes;
• Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399 or join after 90-day probationary period;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license recognized by the State of Illinois, provide own reliable transportation and purchase a University parking permit (as required).

Target hiring range for this position will be between $77,000 to $85,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the Application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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