OTC Assistant Director – Life Sciences

Duke Careers

Assistant Director for Life Sciences at Duke University, overseeing marketing and licensing for groundbreaking discoveries. Collaborates with faculty and industry to advance research innovations.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeDurham • North Carolina • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $96,039 - $153,748 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in technology commercialization, patent management, and negotiation of licensing agreements, with a strong foundation in biological/life sciences or related fields. Proven ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders and manage relationships with licensees while navigating academic and corporate environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Technology CommercializationPatent ManagementNegotiation SkillsBiological/Life Sciences KnowledgeContract Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Technology Disclosure EvaluationLicensing Strategy DevelopmentPatent Application FilingIntellectual Property Law KnowledgeCommercial Potential Evaluation

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationTeam CollaborationDetail Oriented

Industry Keywords

Technology TransferLicensing AgreementsResearch SponsorshipCorporate CultureNegotiation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Encourage and evaluate technology disclosures for patentability and licensing potential.
Create marketing and licensing strategies that maximize technology commercialization potential.
Market technologies to potential licensees.
Oversee the filing and management of patent applications.
Negotiate, draft, and implement license, option, non-disclosure, and other agreements under the supervision of the Managing Director.
Work with other members of the OTC team to further the goals and objectives of technology transfer at the University.
Manage ongoing relationship with licensees and license compliance.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Work requires a Master's degree preferably in biological/life sciences, engineering/physical sciences, computing sciences/information technology or business administration.
Work requires five years of directly related experience OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.
Knowledge of and/or experience in a biological/life science (highly preferred);
excellent interpersonal skills;
written and verbal communication skills;
ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures;
ability to interact with scientists, research sponsors, industry representatives and patent attorneys;
ability to work independently as well as in a team environment;
to work under pressure with tight deadlines;
business experience in negotiations, contracts, and new technology commercialization;
highly self-motivated professional with exceptional sales, marketing and negotiating skills;
experience in evaluating the commercial potential of early stage technology, and to effectively communicate the commercialization vision;
detail oriented with ability to work on multiple projects at the same time;
knowledge of intellectual property law and licensing practices;
high degree of energy and enthusiasm.

Benefits

Comp & perks

comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs
generous retirement benefits
a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members