CE01
Role Description
Role Holder:
Role Title:
Technology Associate
Department:
Life or Physical
Sciences
Reports To:
Technology Manager
Last Reviewed:
July 2014
Role Purpose
Work with and support Technology Managers and Senior Technology Associates to identify and
commercialise intellectual property of commercial value originating from research carried out at the
University of Cambridge in line with Cambridge Enterprise (CE)’s core principles and mission.
Principal activities include:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
Assessment of the potential intellectual property (IP) position (prior art searching and
assessment) of new technologies,
Intellectual property management (including drafting agreements such as standard form
internal assignment/licence documents, and liaising with inventors, patent agents and
licensees),
Assessment of the potential market for the technology,
Assisting with the production of marketing material,
Working with academics to secure suitable developmental resources to add value to the
technology (including providing advice on IP issues in grant and other funding
applications),
Working with academics and technology managers to find and engage companies for
commercialisation of the technology,
Working with the Consultancy team to put in place consultancy agreements between
University academics, industry and other external parties,
Providing assistance as required on the projects and portfolios of cases to which they
are assigned.
Main Responsibilities
Key duties and responsibilities
% time
spent/
frequency
Working on projects and cases with Technology Managers and Senior
Technology Associates to:
70%
1
Help to identify commercially valuable Intellectual Property (IP) arising from
University research.
2
Perform prior art searches. Analyze, interpret and assess data to produce
succinct reports to academic inventors and Technology Managers and Senior
Technology Associates.
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CE01
3
Manage basic IP protection including working with patent agents to achieve
appropriate protection within agreed timescales.
4
Gather and disseminate information to and from inventors, external advisors,
collaborators and licensees to ensure effective communication on case activity.
5
Market technology by carrying out the following :




Market evaluation: size, dynamics, segmentation
Preparing marketing materials
Identification of suitable marketing channels and potential commercial
partners
Initiate contacts with potential commercial partners.
6
Negotiate and conclude straightforward agreements (including confidentiality,
material transfer, software licences, evaluation, option, joint invention and
internal assignments) ensuring that the University and CE is not exposed to
undue risk, taking advice from Technology Managers, Senior Technology
Associates and the University’s Legal Service Office as appropriate. (Training
will be provided)
7
Cover the management of cases (with the help of other team members) when
Senior Technology Associates or Technology Managers are absent
8
Contribute to the maintenance of accurate and complete records of office activity
for audit, reporting and legal purposes to ensure best practice particularly (i)
diligent updating of CE’s electronic record systems and (ii) drafting complete,
accurate and comprehensible case reports as required
9
Other technology transfer activities and duties as required,
10
Assist in securing suitable developmental resources to add value to inventions
Working with the senior members of the Consultancy Team
11
10%
Draft, negotiate and conclude straightforward consultancy contracts to ensure
that the academic consultants and the University are not exposed to undue risk,
taking advice from the consultancy team, the Legal Services Office, the Finance
Division and the Research Office as appropriate.
Other Duties
12
Contribute to the marketing and promotion of technology transfer, CE’s services
and the value of University technology, within the University and externally,
Educating staff and students on intellectual property and commercialization.
Presenting talks to small groups of external visitors, from industry, other
universities and technology transfer offices.
13
Develop skills and maintain awareness of scientific, technical, commercial and
legal developments impacting on the function of technology transfer by reading
reviews, attending internal and external group
meetings/seminars/conferences/training courses and sharing best practice with
others internally and externally.
14
Any other duties as may reasonably be required
20%
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CE01
Person Specification
Essential
Company
Competencies
1. Achievement
Focus
Desirable
Prioritises own workload and achieves
targets/deadlines on completed work items and
projects.
Shows confidence and takes ownership of
responsibilities.
Uses initiative to resolve problems and queries in the
role.
2. Customer
Focus
Understanding of internal and external
customers/stakeholders and how to meet their
needs.
Builds and maintains effective relationships with
customers and responds effectively to requests for
information from internal and external customers.
3. Team
Working/
Flexibility
Positively and enthusiastically engages with team
activities and works within and across teams.
Responds in a positive and professional way to new
and changing requirements.
Role Specific
1. Decision
Making
Ability to choose a suitable method of prior art
searching.
Experience and ability to implement technology
marketing strategies.
Identifies the need for confidentiality and material
transfer agreements and implementing where
appropriate.
2. Problem
Solving
Routine negotiation of
straightforward
agreements.
Some knowledge of
drafting of nonstandard agreements.
Deciding, in consultation with Technology Managers,
Senior Associates and inventors what route to use for
protection and commercialisation of a technology.
In consultation with Technology Managers or Senior
Associates, identifying and managing potential
conflicts of interest and resolving issues between
inventors and sponsors on revenue sharing and
inventorship.
Negotiating commercial agreements to mutual benefit
of the contracting parties.
3. Knowledge,
Skills and
Degree level qualification in a scientific or technical
subject relevant to the role’s remit.
Experience in a
commercial
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CE01
Experience
Can demonstrate interest in technology transfer,
marketing of technologies, contract negotiation
and/or intellectual property.
Good organization and time management with ability
to multi task and meet tight deadlines.
Good interpersonal and communication skills with
ability to relate well to, and engage with individuals of
varying seniority.
Ability to think analytically.
environment,
preferably in a
technical sales or
marketing role.
Knowledge of the
patenting process,
licensing or other
aspects of technology
transfer.
Experience of contract
negotiation and/or
management.
Experience of
research, probably
evidenced by a PhD.
General
IT, Communication,
Other
Strong and demonstrable use of standard computer
programs such as Microsoft Office
Proven ability to understand, communicate and
present information.
Flexibility, accuracy and attention to detail.
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