Business Development Associate
Duties & Responsibilities
Under the guidance and supervision of the Directors of Business Development (DBDs) Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), this position will entail the evaluation of SEAS technologies and core technical competencies within the context of industry needs, market applications, and complex/diverse state of-the-art technologies. The position will conduct research to find potential applications for SEAS innovations; assist DBDs in managing a portfolio of time sensitive projects; provide support to said DBDs and other staff (e.g., the Director of Technology Transactions) as necessary; review invention disclosures arising from research conducted by Harvard SEAS faculty; assess the commercial potential of technologies; prepare and draft technology profiles for marketing; assess the competitive environment with respect to the technologies; perform due diligence and market research to identify potential licensees and industrial partners; develop innovative strategies for the development and commercialization of Harvard and SEAS technologies; assisting DBDs in managing outside patent counsel in preparation and prosecution of patent applications; negotiating options, confidentiality, and inter-institutional agreements, and - with time - industry sponsored research and collaboration agreements. Position will interact with researchers and business development representatives from peer institutions and industry, as appropriate. Other duties as needed.
Required Education, Experience, Skills
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Advanced degree in relevant fields of Physical Sciences (Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science). ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Ph.D. preferred; two years experience in developing, marketing, and commercialization of technologies preferred; experience with complex and sensitive sponsored research and license agreements preferred; strong interpersonal and communication skills; adept with information gathering, database management, and ability to prioritize tasks; demonstrated organizational and analytical skills; must be able to work independently and meet deadlines.
Additional Information
The Harvard University Office of Technology Development (OTD) provides a one-stop shop to advance the development of groundbreaking discoveries by fostering strategic collaborations with industry through licensing, sponsored research and new venture agreements. OTD’s mission is to make the fruits of Harvard research more accessible outside the University, including underserved communities, and ensure that society benefits from Harvard innovations by fostering their swift, professional and effective development and commercialization. Our specific objectives include ensuring that Harvard research results are made widely available and transformed for public use and benefit; serving as a dynamic bridge from laboratory to industry to make certain that promising new technologies are translated into products and services that benefit society and the world; evaluating, patenting and licensing inventions and discoveries made by faculty of Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public Health and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; stimulating innovation and technology development within the Harvard community and securing all necessary protection of the resulting intellectual property; licensing Harvard technologies to strong, effective partners; establishing start up companies and building value around Harvard innovations; building sponsored research collaborations with industry around faculty-initiated applied research projects.
Additional Position Description Information
Ideal position for a physicist, engineer, or other applied scientist wanting to use their technical skills in the area of technology commercialization. Preference given to those with experience in developing, marketing, and commercialization of technologies as well as experience with complex and sensitive sponsored research and license agreements.
Please submit your application by email only. Do not contact by phone.
David B. Pruskin, Assoc. Director of Operations and Administration
Harvard University, Office of Technology Development
david_pruskin@harvard.edu