Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Technology Transfer Director to lead NYGC’s technology transfer operations. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional, ideally from a university or nonprofit research setting,  to shape the technology transfer function at one of the world’s leading genomics research centers. 

The Technology Transfer Director, reporting to the VP of Legal & General Counsel, will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of technology transfer at the organization and will serve as the central point of contact for all intellectual property (IP), licensing, and industry partnership activities, working closely with NYGC scientists, leadership, and external partners. This position will operate as a department of one, with responsibility for managing the entire technology transfer function.

The successful candidate will have both the strategic vision and hands-on skills to develop policies, processes, and relationships that foster a culture of innovation and translational impact.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the commercialization strategy of a premier genomics institution and drive the translation of cutting-edge research into tangible impact on human health. The role offers significant autonomy, visibility, and the chance to collaborate with world-class scientists at the intersection of academia, industry, and medicine.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Lead NYGC’s technology transfer program, including IP management, invention disclosure, patent strategy, licensing, and startup support.

Evaluate invention disclosures for technical merit, commercial potential, and patentability, and develop targeted marketing strategies for high-value technologies. 

Oversee IP filings and prosecution in collaboration with outside counsel.

Lead negotiation of and serve as institutional signatory for a wide range of complex agreements, including inter-institutional agreements, license agreements, option agreements, sponsored research agreements, and material transfer agreements, to facilitate effective technology commercialization.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with faculty, researchers, and institutional partners to promote awareness of technology transfer opportunities and best practices.

Provide education and one-on-one guidance to faculty and staff on IP and tech transfer matters

Identify and engage with potential licensees, investors, and industry collaborators to accelerate commercialization of NYGC technologies.

Advise NYGC leadership on IP portfolio strategy, policy development, and compliance matters.

Serve as administrative liaison to the Board of Directors Start-Up Company Advisory Committee, including setting the agenda for all committee meetings in consultation with the committee chair.

Track, report, and communicate outcomes of the technology commercialization portfolio to NYGC leadership.

Represent NYGC in external partnerships, consortia, and translational initiatives across regional  and national innovation ecosystems.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change.
Requirements & Qualifications

A Bachelor of Science degree (preferably in the biological sciences) is required; an advanced degree in a STEM field, business or related discipline (PhD, MBA or JD) is strongly preferred.

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in technology transfer, IP management, research commercialization, or academic-industry relations, with at least five (5) years in a supervisory or management role.

Proven track record in managing complex IP portfolios and developing IP strategies.

Demonstrated expertise and advanced knowledge of U.S. patent law, and current trends, policies and best  practices affecting academic technology transfer and commercialization.

Proven success in identifying commercialization pathways and negotiating complex licensing agreements; Strong analytical skills for market assessment and strategic problem-solving.

Strong familiarity with federal funding mechanisms (e.g., SBIR/STTR), research compliance, and startup incubation.

Superior negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Ability to successfully work with academic faculty,  researchers and collaborating institutions while balancing mission-driven and commercial priorities.

Preferred:

Experience in genomics, bioinformatics, or related fields

Strong familiarity with nonprofit research organizations and complex academic-industry collaborations.

Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) or Certified Licensing Professional (CLP) certification strongly preferred.

To apply, please submit a CV, cover letter, and deal sheet.

Don’t meet every single requirement?  At NYGC we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Competencies 

Technical and Professional Skills: Consistently demonstrates skills and knowledge relevant for current role; strives to expand the depth and breadth of technical and professional skills; works with a high level of integrity; exhibits focus and discipline; appropriately prioritizes, manages expectations and delivers on commitments.

Collaborative & Communicative: Models collaboration and teamwork; brings out the best in others; effectively works with all levels, internally and externally; respects and embraces diversity of perspective; communicates clearly and listens carefully; uses good judgment as to what to communicate and when to do so.

Adaptable & Innovative: Adaptable and embraces change; develops new insights and pursues improvements and efficiency; fosters exchange of new ideas and willing to challenge the status quo; takes initiative and is solution-oriented; engages in work with passion and curiosity.