AzTE –Director Intellectual Property Services
Since 2002, Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow has been guiding the
transformation of ASU into one of the nation’s leading public research universities, one that is
directly engaged in the economic, social, and cultural vitality of its region. Under his direction, the
university pursues teaching, research, and creative excellence focused on the major challenges
and questions of our time. ASU maintains the principle of accessibility to all qualified students and
serves as a pipeline connecting students to the public and private sectors—central to building a
sustainable environment and economy for Arizona. However, ASU’s impact extends beyond
Arizona through our commitment to global engagement and setting a new standard for public
service. This innovative and creative energy reverberates across ASU and creates an excitement
to support our ambitious aims.
ASU Enterprise Partners is a private, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises and invests
resources for Arizona State University, while advocating for and advancing ASU’s transformative
mission and brand. Though a separate entity from ASU, Enterprise Partners is recognized for its
unique approach to supporting the most innovative university in the country through
entrepreneurialism, research, and discovery. The core of this unique approach is a partnership of
focused organizations whose committed employees impact the community locally and globally
through a diversity of expertise, including philanthropy and development, applied research,
technology transfer, realty, and collaborative research.
AzTE is ASU’s exclusive intellectual property management and technology transfer organization.
AzTE is a private, limited liability company whose sole purpose is the wide dissemination of ASU
discoveries and inventions to the marketplace. By working with faculty, investors, and industry
partners, AzTE substantially increases the flexibility and speed of ASU innovations and
discoveries from the lab to the market. Through this entrepreneurial model, ASU is one of the topperforming US universities in terms of intellectual property inputs and outputs relative to the size
of the university’s research enterprise. AzTE’s team of passionate and highly qualified
professionals is marked by success. Since its inception in 2003, AzTE has delivered more than
2,000 invention disclosures, 80 launched startups, 175 active license and option agreements, and
has generated $500 million in venture capital. We seek candidates who are eager to mesh their
technical expertise with their entrepreneurial spirit for the advancement of ASU’s commitment to
impacting its community through discovery and innovation.
There has never been a better time to join our team of more than 150 passionate and talented
professionals. Since 2014, we have been repeatedly voted a top place to work in Arizona by
CareerBuilder, one of the nation’s largest employment websites. We have also received four-star
ratings from Charity Navigator for several years running.
We strive to create a work environment that is more than just a place to work. We are creating a
place that attracts passionate individuals with a spirit to serve and who are driven to reach their
potential. Join us.
The Director of Intellectual Property Services will work closely with faculty, outside counsel and
AzTE on the strategy, preparation and prosecution of patent applications. Additional
responsibilities will include the patent prosecution budget, IP report generation and analysis,
managing interns, and special projects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
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Work with faculty, outside patent counsel, internal leadership, and the AzTE team to develop
and implement patent prosecution strategies for intellectual property
Support researchers on intellectual property matters related to grant proposals for funding
from public and private sources
Provide due diligence support to the AzTE commercialization team to assist in formulating
strategies to bring innovations to market
Conduct prior art searches and other analyses
SKILLS & ABILITIES:
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An advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as the New American University
Provide best-in-class IP services to faculty and staff
Team-oriented strategist able to effectively manage complex situations involving numerous
and sometimes competing constituencies
Collaborative style, combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment
Ability to maintain a high-degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information
related to AzTE, the Foundation and University business and confidential prospect
information
Strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person,
writing, and by phone with faculty, researchers, administrators and industry
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible
Ability to represent and promote the institution
Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing assigned duties
Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects
Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities and communication plans
EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:
An advanced technical degree in the Life Sciences (preferably a Ph.D.) is required. The
incumbent will also be expected either to have, or to obtain within one year, admission to the US
Patent Bar (either as an agent or attorney).
Contact us today.
AzTE, through ASU Enterprise Partners offers a competitive compensation and benefits package,
including medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan and reduced tuition at ASU.
For more information on AzTE, visit our web site at www.azte.com. If interested in the Director
Intellectual Property Services position, please apply online at http://www.azte.com/about/jobopportunities.
Arizona Technology Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity Employer