OTC Assistant Director - Life Sciences

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Date:
Jul 21, 2026

At Duke University, innovation doesn't stop in the lab. The Office for Translation & Commercialization (OTC) helps transform groundbreaking discoveries into products, therapies, and technologies that improve lives around the world. We partner with faculty, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to advance discoveries from concept to commercialization.

If you are passionate about life sciences, intellectual property, business strategy, and bringing research innovations to market, we invite you to join our team as an Assistant Director, Life Sciences.

• Encourage and evaluate technology disclosures for patentability and licensing potential.
• Create marketing and licensing strategies that maximize technology commercialization potential.
• Market technologies to potential licensees.
• Oversee the filing and management of patent applications.
• Negotiate, draft, and implement license, option, non-disclosure, and other agreements under the supervision of the Managing Director.
• Work with other members of the OTC team to further the goals and objectives of technology transfer at the University.
• Manage ongoing relationship with licensees and license compliance.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

• Work requires a Master’s degree preferably in biological/life sciences, engineering/physical sciences, computing sciences/information technology or business administration.

Work requires five years of directly related experience OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

Knowledge of and/or experience in a biological/life science (highly preferred); excellent interpersonal skills; written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures; ability to interact with scientists, research sponsors, industry representatives and patent attorneys; ability to work independently as well as in a team environment; to work under pressure with tight deadlines; business experience in negotiations, contracts, and new technology commercialization;

highly self-motivated professional with exceptional sales, marketing and negotiating skills; experience in evaluating the commercial potential of early stage technology, and to effectively communicate the commercialization vision; detail oriented with ability to work on multiple projects at the same time; knowledge of intellectual property law and licensing practices; high degree of energy and enthusiasm.

• This position requires an on-site presence at Duke University; remote work is not permitted.

At Duke, we are driven by collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. We believe our greatest strength is our people and the diverse perspectives they bring to our community. Together we are advancing discoveries that make a meaningful impact on society and improve quality of life around the world.

Duke University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender,gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange…