Careers @ MSU

The Licensing Assistant is responsible for assisting Technology Managers to advance technologies developed by MSU research activities to commercial use for societal benefit. This position requires excellent verbal and written communication, collaboration, organization, working knowledge of intellectual property management procedures, time management and a commitment to intellectual property protection. The role requires multi-tasking to manage many projects, and the ability to work independently and in small to large groups. This position offers the flexibility for in-person, hybrid or remote work schedules. The Licensing Assistant most frequently interacts with internal stakeholders within MSU Technologies. This position reports to the Executive Director of MSU Technologies. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Innovation Triage and Screening – 25% 

• Work under the direction of Technology Managers to triage new disclosures, perform initial screenings and/or conduct full assessments; this includes market assessments and prior art searches 

• Correspond with faculty as appropriate to acquire additional information and to relay findings 

• Patent Protection and Strategy – 20% 

• Assist Technology Managers to develop and execute domestic and international (if applicable) intellectual property protection strategy to achieve commercial goals 

• Assist with appropriate and timely procedural steps with outside counsel 

• Meet objectives for patent filings and other patent related targets 

• Marketing Technologies – 20% 

• As assigned, manage the development of a marketing strategy and supporting materials for technologies using applicable resources (interns, patent and business intelligence data sources, mentors-in-residence, software tools, etc.) as applicable 

• Implement marketing strategy to deliver high quality information to interested leads via non-confidential summaries 

• Develop appropriate technology valuation, negotiation positions, and deal terms to support marketing plans 

• Agreement Management – 25% 

• As directed by Technology Managers, assist in preparation of term sheets, option agreements and license agreements, including drafting, editing and negotiations. 

• Working with the CDA team, negotiate Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, and Data Use Agreements. 

• Support the administration of agreements using established processes and the office database. 

• Other – 10% 

• Support key initiatives or other MSUT functions 

• Collaborate with other offices in the MSU Innovation Center, such as Business Connect, to support sponsored research agreements and other types of collaborations developed via marketing activities 

Skill Set Requirements 

• Technical Skills: Proficiency with use of a computer, phone, MS Office Suite, Adobe, Technical STEM skills. 

• Soft Skills: Communication and ability to communicate complex information and policies, problem solving, negotiation, collaboration, time management, organizational skills, and multi-tasking. 

• Experience: One or more year of work experience in physical or biological science, engineering, medicine or a related technical field; experience in the management and development of intellectual property, including knowledge of United States and foreign patent and licensing laws and regulations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Certifications: CLP or RTTP are available but not required. 

Education Requirements 

• Degree: Knowledge equivalent to that which would normally be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in physical or biological science, engineering, medicine or a related technical field. 

• Preferred Education: Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, PhD, Master’s degree, JD). 

• Other Qualifications: Candidates must have the capacity to comply with federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control law.