Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of the Salk Institute Office of Technology Development (OTD), the Director of Licensing oversees the full lifecycle of intellectual property (IP) protection, licensing and commercialization function at Salk, builds and maintains relationships with Salk faculty and staff, develops and implements programs and strategies to enhance technology transfer functions at Salk, supervises and mentors licensing staff, and provides leadership to achieve OTD goals and vision of the Institute.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Directly manage a portfolio of intellectual property (IP) and tangible material inventions arising from Salk research labs and oversee/mentor OTD licensing staff in managing their portfolios.
• Stay abreast of Salk research programs; cultivate relationships with faculty and scientific staff through frequent engagement and encourage invention disclosures.
• Provide Salk researchers with advice and educational programming to deepen their understanding of IP and technology commercialization; engage them in the IP protection and licensing processes for their inventions.
• Identify opportunities and formulate strategies, in collaboration with OTD Senior Director and Director of Innovation Partnerships, that support translational research efforts towards commercial readiness, improve patentability and/or strengthen other legal protections of Salk inventions.
• Evaluate new inventions for patentability and other means of legal protection - conduct diligence review and market assessment for the commercial potential of inventions.
• Work with outside counsel (and licensees) to prepare, file, prosecute and maintain patents and other forms of IP protection.
• Develop and implement marketing and licensing strategies; drive business development efforts and cultivate a network of local and national contacts in the industries and investment communities relevant for Salk technologies.
• Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements, including technology licenses, collaboration and inter-institutional agreements, reagent distribution agreements, and various agreements with industry.
• Manage post-agreement compliance; advise the OTD Senior Director of any issues or disputes and participate in efforts to resolve same.
• Foster a collegial team environment that supports the overall goals of OTD and Salk; encourage cross-fertilization of knowledge and experiences among OTD staff as well as other research and administrative departments.
• Advise, in collaboration with OTD Senior Director, Salk leadership and other stakeholders on IP-related matters.
• Network with industry and non-profit executives, peers in academic institutions, and professional associations to develop beneficial relationships and gain a broader understanding of industry-academic relationships outside of Salk.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises up to 2 employees within the OTD department.
• Indirectly supervises up to 2 employees within the OTD department(s).

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

What we Require

• Minimum 8 years of work experience in technology licensing, patenting and contracts required.
• Master's Degree (MS) in a scientific discipline relevant to Salk research required, or more than ten years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Computer skills required: Proficient with MS Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

• Preferred: Minimum 10 years of work experience in technology licensing, patenting and contracts.
• Preferred: Doctoral Degree (Ph. D.) or equivalent in a scientific discipline relevant to Salk research, or more than ten years of related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certificates, licenses, and registrations preferred: USPTO Registered Patent Agent
• Applicants must submit a non-confidential deal sheet to demonstrate work experience.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $145,000 to $175,000 per annum. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.