Senior Licensing Officer , Technology Licensing

Overview

About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.

Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California’s diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan guide our work. At UC Berkeley, learning is a fundamental part of working, and we provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

Our goal is for everyone on campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential, including providing full-time staff with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year for professional development. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The University of California at Berkeley is an integral part of the Bay Area innovation ecosystem. The campus’s substantial research enterprise results in the development of IP, including patentable inventions and copyrightable material. This IP is typically governed by terms in research agreements, including IP terms under the Bayh-Dole Act. The IP terms and related University IP policies are aimed at encouraging broad, expeditious commercialization of the IP to benefit society, support education and research, and reward researchers.

This position exists to foster and manage the IP rights developed by the University’s researchers in accordance with the terms of research and collaboration agreements, as well as the IP rights management objectives and policies of the university. Managing IP rights to meet the university’s objectives requires broad and deep knowledge and unique expertise.

UC Berkeley Office of Technology Licensing is looking for a senior-level professional to manage a large portfolio of cases in the Biology/Chemistry/Biotechnology areas and develop IP strategy, including patents, by overseeing filings, advising inventors on IP matters, and negotiating agreements. The officer is a crucial liaison between inventors, legal counsel, and departments to protect and leverage innovations.

Application Review Date:
The First Review Date for this job is: 02/19/2026.

• Applies advanced intellectual property/technology licensing/transfer concepts to evaluate commercial potential, formulate licensing strategy, negotiate and draft agreements, and execute agreements for a very substantial, highly complex portfolio and/or unique and highly complex inventions.
• Performs analysis and evaluation of agreements for the transfer of highly complex research materials.
• Advises on intellectual property clauses in highly complex sponsored and collaborative research agreements.
• Determines patentability of institution’s inventions.
• Assures licensee meets all licensing obligations for a very substantial, highly complex portfolio; intervenes or initiates action when commitments are not met.
• Consults with senior department management to analyze highly complex contract language in contracts proposed for transfer of materials.
• Coordinates with researchers on commercialization strategy.
• Negotiates, revises and approves contracts and agreements for the transfer of highly complex research materials.
• Recommends individual exceptions to policy.
• Conducts training with faculty regarding IP/technology transfer policies and procedures.
• May lead a team of IP/technology licensing/transfer professionals.
• Provides input on highly complex legal disputes.
• Markets new technology to potential industrial partners and facilitates start-ups.
• Provides networking contacts to start-up entrepreneurial companies.

• State-of-the-art knowledge in…