Senior Licensing Officer , Technology Licensing

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. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and we provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full‑time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities.

Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

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 commensurately substantial intellectual property (IP) including patentable inventions and copyrightable material. This research is mostly supported by funding under research agreements that include terms for the IP that results from the research (for example, funding from U.S. government agencies under the IP terms of the 1980 Bayh‑Dole Act).

These IP terms along with related IP policies of the University are typically intended to encourage the broad and expeditious commercializing of the IP such that it will benefit society, support education and research (including industry‑sponsored research) at the campus, as well as reward the researchers for their ingenuity. 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 and obligations under university, state and federal policy is a multi‑faceted responsibility that requires broad and deep knowledge, and therefore 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.

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,…