Senior Licensing Officer

Job Overview

The Senior Licensing Officer (SLO) is the most senior position among the licensing staff positions. The SLO is responsible for identifying technologies with commercial applications, evaluating the commercial potential of technologies, identifying potential licensees, preparing non-confidential technical information for marketing purposes, developing and implementing specific marketing strategies for each technology, and drafting and negotiating mid- to large-sized license agreements and other types of agreements including material transfer, collaboration and nondisclosure agreements. Responsible for performing own, or directing licensing officers', negotiations related to the Intellectual Property (IP), as well as demonstrating valuation and IP understanding. The IP may be in the fields of: chemistry, engineering, software and information technology, life sciences, medical device, drug development, veterinary medicine and agriculture. The SLO is also responsible for mentoring and support of licensing analysts, licensing managers and student interns.

This position will primarily support faculty, researchers, and clients in the engineering and physical science fields.

The areas of responsibility in this position are as follows:

• Faculty Outreach and Invention Disclosure Cultivation
  Drive strategic engagement with faculty and campus leaders to foster innovation, increase high-quality invention disclosures, and advance understanding of technology transfer and IP.
• IP Management
  Independently manage a diverse portfolio of 100+ technologies, assess commercial potential, guide IP protection strategies, and oversee patent prosecution to ensure intellectual property rights are properly protected.
• Licensing Strategy Development
  Formulate and execute tailored licensing strategies for complex technologies, leveraging market research and targeted outreach to industry and startup leaders.
• Deal Negotiation and Licensing
  Participate in negotiations for licensing agreements and options, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Six years of relevant corporate licensing or university technology commercialization/transfer experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Masters degree, MBA, JD, or Ph.D.
• 8-12 years relevant corporate licensing or university technology commercialization/transfer experience.
• Knowledge of or background in engineering or physical sciences.

A resume is required to be submitted at the time of application to be considered for this position. A cover letter is strongly desired.

The pay range for this job profile is $103,000 - $131,710, annually. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications.

This is an in-person position.

Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of work, applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents; (3) asylees or refugees; or (4) individuals otherwise described as protected individuals pursuant to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).

Ohio State will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Join the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit https://erik.osu.edu/.

Position Mapping:

Function: Research Administration

Sub-Function: Technology Commercialization

Career Band and Level: S4

Posted: 17-Mar-26

Type: Full-time

Categories: Administrative/Support, Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: R141095