Industry Contracts Officer

Job Function Summary:

Involves advising on intellectual property (IP) rights protection, business startup and other technology transfer related issues. Evaluates the commercial potential of research results, obtains and manages the appropriate IP rights protection, markets inventions and software, and / or biological / tangible materials; drafts and negotiates, and manages IP licenses and Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and advises on IP terms in research and collaboration agreements. Supports companies who wish to sponsor research and / or license technologies. Facilitates administration of federal and state laws regarding research, conflict of interest, IP, contracts and employment. Works with outside patent attorneys to file patent applications.

Custom Scope

Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced intellectual property/ technology licensing / transfer professional with a full understanding of industry practices and organization policies and procedures; resolves a wide range of issues. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

The Industry Contracts Division (ICD) of the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) is responsible for negotiating and signing all industry research contracts between UCSF and Industry Sponsors. This includes complex clinical trial agreements, challenging material transfers agreements (incoming materials of all types and outgoing clinical specimen or data), sponsored research agreements, grants, data transfer use agreements, business associate agreements, fellowships and confidentiality agreements .

The Industry Contracts Officer (ICO) is responsible for the review, negotiation and execution of all industry sponsored research agreements. The incumbent determines the nature and scope of the relationship of UCSF investigators to industry sponsors, assesses the likelihood of downstream intellectual property, and develops the business terms of the research project. Other duties include developing subject matter expertise in specific areas, and participating in problem-solving and formulation of strategies and policies around the incumbent''s areas of expertise, in collaboration with ICD leadership, other units on campus (CGA, GBC, RMS, Procurement, GC, COi, IRB, UDAR, RDO, DOM) and UCOP, as appropriate . The incumbent may also be asked to lead cross-functional teams of professionals in complex alliances or transactions.

Department Overview

The Industry Contracts Division (ICD) of the Office of Innovation, Technology and Alliances is responsible for negotiating and signing all industry research contracts between UCSF and Industry Sponsors. This includes clinical trial agreements, material transfer agreements (incoming materials of all types and outgoing clinical specimen or data), sponsored research agreements, grants, and confidentiality agreements, unfunded research collaborations, equipment loan agreements, clinical service agreements and other research agreements with industry.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor''s degree in related area.
• Thorough knowledge of and application of standard principles, theories, and concepts and techniques such as laws, regulations, and practices pertaining to the protection and management of intellectual property, university technology transfer, and general scientific and / or technical skills in subject matter area.
• Minimum 5 years of contracting, legal, and/or other negotiation experience in the private sector, preferably in the science area. Relevant work experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and clearly articulate institutional principles, intellectual property laws, complex concepts, regulations and policies.
• Ability to understand the varying objectives and needs of faculty and industry sponsors.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted contracting and subcontracting practices.
• Ability to analyze complex technical data using logic and quantitative reasoning.
• Demonstrated ability to apply and implement creative solutions to complex problems that respect the policies and needs of each party.
• Sufficient management and professional experience, business acumen, judgment and integrity to effectively serve faculty and sponsors while protecting, representing and advancing the University''s best interests.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly review and accurately analyze complex contracts and other legal documents.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating contracts and a wide variety of other research-related agreements.
• Ability to prioritize; the ability to be flexible; ability to work independently and still be a team player; ability to work with various personalities; and ability to provide quality customer service.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of the technical and legal issues affecting protection, use and exploitation of intellectual property.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the legal distinctions between gifts, grants, and contracts and the ability to explain these distinctions to faculty, staff and industry sponsors.
• Demonstrated understanding of the mission of a major research and teaching university (with a hospital/medical enterprise) and the principles that form the foundation of academic research.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the policies and practices employed by institutions of higher education in managing research activities and relations with industry sponsors (e.g., use of facilities; conflicts of interest; regulatory compliance; stewardship responsibilities; management of intellectual property, liability and risk analyses, etc.).
• Knowledge of copyright and patent law.
• Prior University experience.
• Prior work experience with related contracts issues, such as intellectual property, Preferred indemnification/liability, confidentiality, and publication.
• Demonstrated experience working within the research environment at UCSF or another major university.

% of timeEssential Function (Yes/No)Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)10YesAdvises on intellectual property clauses, contracts and agreements in complex sponsored and collaborative research agreements.45YesNegotiates and/ or approves and executes contracts and agreements involving industry, complex material testing and transfer agreements.20YesNegotiates material testing and transfer agreements. 5NoConducts training with faculty regarding intellectual property/ technology transfer policies and procedures. 5YesGathers, analyzes, prepares and provides input on exceptions to policy.15YesConducts business development activities with industry sponsors, faculty and the university. % of timeEssential Function (Yes/No)Key Responsibilities (To be completed by Supervisor)10YesAdvises on intellectual property clauses, contracts and agreements in complex sponsored and collaborative research agreements.45YesNegotiates and/ or approves and executes contracts and agreements involving industry, complex material testing and transfer agreements.20YesNegotiates material testing and transfer agreements. 5NoConducts training with faculty regarding intellectual property/ technology transfer policies and procedures. 5YesGathers, analyzes, prepares and provides input on exceptions to policy.15YesConducts business development activities with industry sponsors, faculty and the university.