ABOUT US:
Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Associate Director, Licensing & Transactions
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Associate Director of Licensing is a senior deal-focused role within the Office of Technology Development, responsible for leading the negotiation and execution of complex technology licensing transactions across Scripps Research's intellectual property portfolio. Will take primary ownership of high-value and strategically significant licensing deals from initial term sheet development through final agreement execution and post license compliance. The role spans the full breadth of Scripps Research's technology portfolio, including biomedical, chemical, and software/computational technologies, and requires deep expertise in crafting deal structures that align institutional objectives with commercial partner interests. Is a trusted advisor to faculty, a skilled counterpart to industry negotiators, and a key contributor to the institute's technology commercialization strategy.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Leads the negotiation of complex technology licensing transactions, including exclusive and non-exclusive license agreements, option agreements, co-development agreements, and inter-institutional agreements, with a high degree of autonomy and accountability for deal outcomes.
- Drafts, reviews, and refines term sheets and agreements for complex licensing transactions, establishing deal frameworks including license scope, field-of-use definitions, financial terms (upfront fees, milestones, royalties, sublicensing income), equity provisions, and diligence obligations.
- Negotiates and executes a wide range of transactional agreements including sponsored research agreements, material transfer agreements, confidentiality agreements, collaboration agreements, inter institutional agreements and amendments to existing agreements.
- Applies expertise in software and computational technology licensing to structure agreements for software tools, algorithms, databases, AI/ML models, and research platforms, including appropriate source code provisions, use restrictions, and open-source compatibility considerations.
- Develops and presents proposed deal terms and negotiation strategies to OTD leadership and faculty, synthesizing market intelligence, comparable transaction data, and institutional priorities to inform recommendations.
- Leads industry outreach and relationship development for priority technologies, including targeted engagement with prospective licensees, presentation of licensing opportunities, and cultivation of long-term commercial partnerships.
- Negotiates founders' equity arrangements, start-up license structures, and related agreements in connection with spin-out venture formation, working closely with institutional leadership and counsel.
- Partners with the Office of Patent Counsel on IP strategy as it relates to active licensing transactions, including freedom-to-operate considerations, claim scope analysis, and patent portfolio positioning.
- Serves as a senior advisor and resource to OTD licensing staff on deal strategy, term sheet construction, and negotiation tactics for complex or novel transactions.
- Maintains current knowledge of market deal terms, licensing trends, and best practices across the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and software/technology sectors, applying this knowledge to strengthen the institute's negotiating position.
- Represents Scripps Research OTD in external forums including AUTM, LES, and other professional associations relevant to academic technology transfer and licensing.
- Provides senior-level guidance on compliance matters arising from complex licensing transactions, including interpretation of Bayh-Dole obligations, federal agency reporting requirements, and contractual diligence and milestone provisions; advises OTD leadership on risk exposure and recommends appropriate courses of action.
- Proactively engages licensees to monitor and enforce compliance with agreement obligations, including diligence milestones, royalty reporting, sublicensing notifications, and development progress requirements; leads communications and negotiations with licensees where compliance deficiencies are identified and works to resolve issues in a manner consistent with institutional interests.
- Responsible for the supervision of Licensing and Contracts Officers. Will provide guidance on deal strategy and agreement execution.
- Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, or a related field required; advanced degree (PhD, JD, or MBA) strongly preferred.
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in transactional law, business development, technology transfer, IP licensing, or technology transactions, with a demonstrated track record of independently leading complex deal negotiations to successful conclusion.
- Exceptional expertise in drafting and negotiating technology licensing agreements, term sheets, and sponsored research contracts across a range of transaction types and technology areas.
- Experience negotiating software licensing agreements, including familiarity with software-specific deal terms such as source code escrow, open-source license compliance, SaaS and cloud-based deployment models, and data use provisions.
- CLP certification (Licensing Executives Society) strongly preferred.
- Candidates are encouraged to submit a deal sheet summarizing representative transactions they have led or significantly contributed to; preference will be given to applicants who provide this documentation.
- In-depth knowledge of Bayh-Dole Act obligations, NIH and federal funding compliance requirements, and applicable export control regulations as they pertain to licensing transactions.
- Strong technical breadth to evaluate and negotiate across diverse technology domains including biomedical, chemical, and computational/software technologies.
- Proven ability to build trust-based relationships with faculty investigators, industry counterparts, legal counsel, and institutional leadership.
- Outstanding negotiation, analytical, and communication skills; adept at presenting complex deal structures and rationale to diverse audiences including scientists, executives, and legal professionals.
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. and international patent law, copyright, and trade secret principles as applied in licensing contexts.
- Experience with start-up formation and equity licensing structures preferred.
- Proficiency with contract management systems (e.g., Inteum or comparable platforms) and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to manage a high-value transaction portfolio with competing timelines, exercising sound judgment and decisive action in a fast-paced environment.
- While subject to change based on business needs, this is an on-campus position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.
COMPENSATION:
The expected hiring range for this position is $125,000 to $180,000/annually, commensurate with experience.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
- Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
- Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
- Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
- Free, on-site parking
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.
