Senior Licensing Officer (0339U), Technology Licensing - #84179

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 make 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 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.

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 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

Position Summary

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 intellectual property/technology transfer policies and procedures.
• May lead a team of intellectual property/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.

Required Qualifications

• State-of-the-art knowledge in Biology/Chemistry/Biotechnology area and broad application of principles, theories and concepts such as laws, regulations, and practices pertaining to the protection and management of intellectual property, university technology transfer, and scientific and/or technical skills in area of expertise.
• Ability to market technology to industrial partners.
• Strong knowledge of contracts and grants.
• Recognized expert in specific aspect of intellectual property/technology transfer.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to generate pro forma estimates of equity holdings/evaluations.
• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $150,000.00 - $205,000.00.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 50% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.