Commercialization Manager

Commercialization Manager

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a leading institution under the Department of Energy, is actively seeking a motivated Commercialization Manager. This pivotal role is responsible for spearheading our technology licensing and commercialization initiatives, meticulously managing our intellectual property portfolio, and forging robust partnerships to accelerate the transition of groundbreaking innovations from the laboratory to the global marketplace.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Technology Commercialization: Oversee the entire lifecycle of ORNL technologies, from intellectual property protection and strategic marketing to successful licensing and commercialization.
• Evaluate Innovation: Assess an average of 40–80 new inventions annually for their commercial viability, working closely with inventors, patent agents, and external legal counsel.
• Develop Market Strategies: Identify emerging market opportunities, conduct thorough competitive landscape analyses, and formulate licensing plans that are synergistic with our patenting strategies.
• Drive Business Growth: Proactively engage with potential licensees, negotiate advantageous agreements, and structure deals that align with company objectives and rigorous due diligence milestones.
• Build Strategic Relationships: Act as the primary liaison between ORNL’s Technology Transfer Division and its diverse research directorates, while also delivering essential training and outreach to cultivate a strong commercialization culture.
• Represent ORNL: Serve as a distinguished ambassador for ORNL at national and international forums, licensing association meetings, and key industry events.
• Support Collaborative Initiatives: Manage the commercialization aspects of large-scale Department of Energy programs and provide support for critical agreements such as Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
• Champion ORNL Values: Uphold and promote ORNL's core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service in all professional interactions and decision-making processes.

Qualifications:

• Required: A Master's degree in physical sciences (materials, chemistry, physics, optics) or an engineering discipline (Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial) with 4+ years of relevant experience, OR a Ph.D. in a similar field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record in technology transfer, licensing, or the commercialization of technology within a scientific or academic setting (e.g., experience at another National Laboratory or an R1 University).
• Demonstrated ability to manage and process multiple disclosures, patents, copyrights, and priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to adeptly bridge scientific and commercial perspectives.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Working knowledge of intellectual property law (patents, copyrights, trademarks) and basic contract law.
• Export Control Requirement: This position requires access to technology subject to U.S. export control requirements. Successful candidates must be eligible for such access without an export control license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a physical science or engineering discipline coupled with an MBA or Patent Agent certification.
• Active involvement in professional organizations such as LES, FLC, or AUTM, including participation in groups and committees dedicated to advancing the transition of scientific/technical developments to the commercial marketplace.

Work Environment:

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Onsite, Oak Ridge, TN
• Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this position.