Director of Patents and Technology Transfer

Make a difference at one of Florida's premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly's deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

Responsibilities:

Lead and manage the University's intellectual property (IP) management and protection.

• Direct the evaluation, filing, and maintenance of patents and related IP generated by University researchers, ensuring alignment with institutional and legal standards. Review invention disclosures and assess commercial potential in consultation with inventors and legal counsel

Lead technology commercialization and licensing activities.

• Develop and negotiate license agreements, option agreements, material transfer agreements (MTAs), confidentiality agreements (NDAs), and other contracts that facilitate the commercialization of University-developed technologies.

Cultivate industry and entrepreneurial partnerships.

• Collaborate with industry partners, startups, and investors to promote technology transfer opportunities and advance economic development in Florida's innovation ecosystem.

Facilitate faculty and student innovation

• Provide training, resources, and one-on-one guidance to researchers and students regarding invention disclosures, IP protection, and commercialization pathways.

Develop policies and compliance frameworks.

• Establish and maintain institutional policies and procedures governing IP ownership, revenue distribution, and Bayh-Dole Act compliance, as well as processes for invention reporting, patent application tracking, and licensing documentation.

Promote University research visibility and impact.

• Prepare reports, metrics, and presentations related to invention disclosures, patent activity, and licensing revenue; strengthen the University's reputation as a hub for applied research and innovation.

Coordinate with legal, sponsored research, and industry engagement units

• Collaborate across divisions to ensure smooth integration of IP management with research contracts, grants, and corporate collaborations; coordinate with external patent attorneys and manage all aspects of patent filing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related technical discipline.

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in patent management, technology transfer, or intellectual property law.

• Demonstrated understanding of U.S. patent laws, rules, and procedures.

• Experience managing relationships with patent attorneys, inventors, and industry partners.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.

• In lieu of a degree, any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or doctoral degree in science, engineering, or law (J.D. preferred).

• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

• Experience in a university or research institution's technology transfer office.

• Demonstrated success in patent commercialization, licensing negotiations, or startup formation.

• Familiarity with federal funding regulations and Bayh-Dole Act compliance.

• Proven ability to build partnerships with industry and foster innovation ecosystems.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of patent law, IP portfolio management, and technology commercialization practices.

• Knowledge of research administration, intellectual property compliance, and sponsored program processes.

• Skill in reviewing invention disclosures, assessing market potential, and managing patent prosecution.

• Skill in negotiating agreements and managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.

• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, including faculty, students, and corporate partners.

• Ability to analyze legal and technical documents, interpret complex regulations, and ensure compliance.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive intellectual property issues ethically and professionally.

• Ability to foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and academic entrepreneurship.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

• This position requires a criminal background check, which may include a Level II screening as required by Florida Statute *435.04.

• This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This position is salary exempt. The normal work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; however, occasional overtime (weekends and evenings) may be required.

TARGET HIRING SALARY: $110,000 - $118,000, commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE: The position may be open for 14 days, and screening of applicants may begin immediately.

APPLICATION PROCESS: In addition to completing the online application, all applicants are required to upload the following as attachments to the application (preferably in PDF format):

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Three (3) Professional References

If any of these three items are not included, you will not be considered for the position. References will not be contacted unless you are selected as a finalist for the position.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or genetic information.

Employment is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. An appointment is not final until proof is provided.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS INFORMATION

Florida Poly qualified employees have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of health benefits (through the State of Florida) to help meet their specific needs, as well as the needs of their family. This comprehensive coverage includes flexible spending accounts, medical and life insurance, and worker's compensation.

Health benefits are administered through People First, on behalf of the State of Florida, as pre-tax insurance plans. People First handles all new hire enrollments, coverage changes, premium administration, and dependent eligibility. Their Service Center is staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. EST, at 1-866-663-4735.

RETIREMENT

Florida Poly offers great options for retirement. From the required selection of a state plan to additional voluntary retirement plans, our employees have many opportunities to save and prepare for their future. Click here for more information.

FLORIDA POLY BENEFITS

• Perks and Discounts
• Annual Leave
  • To help promote work-life balance, Florida Poly provides a generous leave program, which includes paid time off and paid holidays. Qualified employees may accrue 22 days of annual leave. In addition, the University observes the holidays listed in our University Holidays policy FPU-1.008.
• Sick Leave
  • Qualified employees may also accrue 12 days of annual sick leave and participate in our Sick Pool Program.
• Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

EXPLORE LAKELAND FLORIDA

Conveniently located along I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to Florida Polytechnic University and many other businesses and attractions. Click here to explore Lakeland, Florida.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING ATTACHMENTS:

Required attachments are listed on each posting. Please be sure to attach all required documents in the Resume/CV field before continuing through the application. Once your application has been submitted, no changes may be made and additional attachments will not be considered.

An unofficial copy of the degree/transcript is acceptable during the application process. For positions requiring a degree, the official transcripts are required upon hire.

Foreign Transcript: Transcripts issued outside of the United States require a equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the application deadline.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.

This position requires a background check, which may include a level II screening as required by the Florida Statute*435.04.