Sr Innovation Associate - Wake Forest Innovations

Overview

*Per candidates competency & experience level may be reviewed for placement alignment within Wake Forest Innovations department structure.  

Are you passionate about transforming cutting-edge medical research into tangible innovations? Wake Forest Innovations is seeking a dynamic and results-driven professional to lead our technology commercialization efforts. We're looking for an individual with a strategic mindset, exceptional business acumen, and a background in medical science to join our team.  

JOB SUMMARY:  

Responsible for the development and licensing of proprietary technologies.  Sets commercialization plans and executes on those plans.  Assesses inventions for commercial opportunity; manages interactions with external intellectual property counsel including responsible management of the budget for such matters; devises and implements marketing strategies for inventions as needed; negotiates the terms of relevant commercialization agreements especially including license and equity related documents in start-up companies; completes initial drafts of commercialization agreements and manages the support of internal and external counsel to complete such agreements; and assists with the transition of licensed inventions to the alliance management function of Wake Forest Innovations.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

Senior Innovation Associate (leveling)

• MBA, MS, or JD with five years of medical science experience required. 
• PhD preferred.

Innovation Associate (leveling) 

• Bachelor's Degree and experience in life sciences. 
• Master's or Doctoral Degree in life sciences preferred. 
• Previous technology transfer experience including basics of intellectual property protection, licensing and commercialization. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Conduct research to develop technology evaluation and analysis for medical application: 
   1. Engages faculty and teams at various levels of the academic and clinical enterprise.
   2. Provides pre-disclosure advice and consultation, assisting in the planning and direction of studies to investigate human or animal diseases, their treatments and preventative methods
   3. Assesses research projects critically to conceptualize and prioritize opportunities for innovative products. Utilizes scientific and business expertise to collaborate with faculty in guiding translational research from ideation phase through proof of concept testing and prototyping to stage of readiness for commercialization
   4. Performs commercial feasibility assessments for assigned projects
   5. Assesses, in a continuous manner, the commercial utility, market value and patentability of inventions and other intellectual property of Advocate Health and of Wake Forest University.
2. Intellectual property protection:
   1. Evaluates ideas, data sets, samples, innovations and inventions at various levels for potential protection. 
   2. Develops, implements, and manages intellectual property strategy for assigned projects.
   3. Facilitates interactions between inventors and external intellectual property counsel.
3. Product development and Project management:
   1. Creates and implements development plans with limited supervision from the Director. Clearly defines the outcomes (go/no-go decisions) and/or deliverables for each project and manage the development plan by working closely with the inventors, Contract Research Organizations, Consultants as needed.
   2. Assists inventors in preparing and evaluating proposals seeking project specific development funding including internal funds such as Catalyst or external funds such as state or federal government grants.
   3. Manages the internal funds allocated for the assigned technologies including Commercialization Pathway Awards and Catalyst funds.
4. Work products include:
   1. Medical product commercialization cases to include collation of data packages, assessment of and interaction with development partners, licensees and investors to maximize the value of the technology. 
   2. Scientific and technical materials for sharing with potential partners, and strategies to partner the assigned technologies. 
   3. Negotiated agreements including inter institutional, material transfer, confidentiality, option and license agreements. 
5. Contributes as a member of Wake Forest Innovations to the group’s overall strategic and operational planning and portfolio assessment.
6. Supports the mission and ethical standards of Wake Forest Innovations and the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, including commitment to uphold the following Values: integrity, courage, decisiveness, excellence, collegiality, respect, and Behaviors: communication, trust, accountability, transparency and professional growth.
7. Represents and promotes Wake Forest Innovations at internal and external events and meetings.
8. Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein as requested.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent oral, written, and presentation communication skills, especially to key internal/external stakeholders, e.g., faculty, senior leadership, vendors and potential partner companies
• Knowledge and experience in biology, particularly as related to medical science and medical product development
• Knowledge of intellectual property protection
• Knowledge of medical asset evaluation, business plan development and deal structuring
• Ability to interact effectively in both academic and corporate cultures
• Ability to work independently and in matrix team environment
• Highly self-motivated and detail oriented professional
• Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time under pressure with tight deadlines

Work Environment:

• Hybrid work schedule: 
  • weekly onsite Winston-Salem, NC/work from home (subject to change per department/enterprise needs)
• Events per department/enterprise needs
• Clean, well-lit, office environment