Chief Technology Transfer Officer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has an exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to serve as the Chief Technology Transfer Officer. As Head of the Intellectual Property Office at one of the world’s leading research institutions, the Chief Technology Transfer Officer is responsible for intellectual property strategy development and portfolio management to support the transition of Lab-developed technologies for the benefit of society and the U.S. economy. This position plays a vital role in directing the Lab’s technology licensing activities, including managing invention and software disclosures, making patenting decisions, marketing inventions, developing  licensing partnerships, and leading commercialization and entrepreneurship programs funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and others. As a key member of the Deputy Laboratory Director for Research’s management team, the Chief Technology Transfer Officer champions and contributes to the Lab’s Stewardship culture of its values, research, people and assets, including promoting a diverse and welcoming culture.

Berkeley Lab’s Intellectual Property Office licenses cutting-edge research that saves lives, generates revenue and jobs, reduces energy costs and consumption, and creates new industries. As such, the Laboratory has partnered with hundreds of companies in moving technology out the door and was recently awarded seven R&D 100 Awards. Together, Berkeley Lab’s Intellectual Property Office and the Strategic Partnerships Office – the two offices with the greatest interface with industry and with creating economic activity – play a key role in facilitating the efficient and timely movement of Lab-developed technologies to market, leveraging the research enterprise and technology transfer programs to create maximum impact to society. An ideal candidate for this position will possess an strong interest in and awareness of DOE national laboratories and the critical roles they play among industry, academia, research institutions and other science agencies within the nation’s innovation ecosystem, and promote strong partnership with the Lab’s Intellectual Property Office. 

Berkeley Lab has a dynamic workforce of over 4,000 employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $1.1 billion. The University of California (UC) manages Berkeley Lab for DOE’s Office of Science. This is an exciting career opportunity for a dynamic leader to substantially contribute to the Laboratory's preeminence as one of the crown jewels of federal scientific research.

What You Will Do:

• Provide overall leadership and management of the Intellectual Property Office, including planning, organizing, coordinating and/or leading a broad range of program initiatives executed by a 15-person team of licensing executives, program managers, and marketing, finance and administrative professionals.
• Develop and implement a vision, strategy, and plan to grow Berkeley Lab’s Intellectual Property portfolio in alignment with the Laboratory’s strategic plan. 
• Serve as the Lab’s strategic leader to drive process improvement and operational efficiency in all aspects of Intellectual Property Office operations. Lead the effort to develop/improve internal policy, procedures, and creative vehicles to enhance and improve technology transfer across the lifecycle of technology. 
• Manage efforts to train and identify resources to support Berkeley Lab’s entrepreneurial researchers, including promoting and educating Intellectual Property Office resources and the importance of intellectual property reporting.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships and partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders on critical technology transfer issues. Collaborate with the Strategic Partnerships Office and Legal Counsel to ensure efficient and timely execution of agreements. 
• Manage Intellectual Property Office department budget, staffing, and planning activities; foster an inclusive and collaborative environment within the department; and provide mentorship and leadership to the team, including ensuring well-defined performance expectations and clear developmental and career goals.
• Represent Berkeley Lab to senior-level executives in corporations, managers in federal and state agencies, as well as on University of California (UC) and DOE groups related to technology transfer. Speak publicly to diverse community, business, and technical groups.

What is Required:

• Degree in science, engineering, law, and/or relevant business disciplines with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience (or an equivalent combination of education) related to managing technology transfer and intellectual property initiatives for a research or highly technological organization.
• Impactful experience managing a variety of technology transfer related programs; ability to independently apply advanced knowledge of technology transfer principles and practices to design, develop and implement programs and provide leadership toward delivery of complex initiatives; ability to work with both internal research divisions and external stakeholders as a driving force to create win-win, Lab-to-market scenarios.
• Significant experience and proficiency in forging relationships and executing intellectual property licenses with entrepreneurs, commercial firms, and industrial consortia as a key member and thought leader of a technology transfer team.
• Sophisticated skills in intellectual strategy development, business systems and databases, planning and implementing innovation and change. Demonstrated ability to keep abreast of emerging industry trends and advancements and effectively incorporate new and creative strategies into existing programs for continuous program improvement and in support of an organization’s objectives.
• Effective managerial experience in program planning, budgeting, staffing, and performance management, with the proven ability to effectively manage an interdisciplinary team and foster a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and collaboration in the department.
• Excellent organizational and financial analytical skills, including market analyses and due diligence of market potential. 
• Excellent business acumen and demonstrated strong interpersonal and relationship building capabilities, including the ability to develop and maintain valuable and collaborative working relationships and effectively communicate with the widest variety of key internal and external stakeholders, including government officials, senior leadership, division management, researchers, and industry contacts.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in science, engineering, law, and/or relevant business disciplines with a minimum of 15 years of applicable experience (or an equivalent combination of education) leading technology transfer and intellectual property initiatives for a research university, national laboratory, or highly technological private-sector organization.
• Proven industry experience with both technical and financial (“bottom line”) responsibilities, especially in product development, project management, engineering or applied research.

Notes:

• First review of applications will be November 15, 2021.
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Classification will depend upon the applicant's level of skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• The Chief Technology Transfer Officer is a career position that is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Laboratory Director, and this appointment is at will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
• This position is subject to the financial disclosure requirements of the California Political Reform Act of 1974. The successful candidate for this position will be required to file financial interest statements upon assuming this position, annually while holding this position, and when leaving this position.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:
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