Job Details

University of Oregon
  • Position Number: 4154497
  • Location: Eugene, OR
  • Position Type: Academic Vice Presidents and Provosts


Associate Vice President of Industry, Innovation and Translation


Job no: 531707

Work type: Officer of Administration

Location: Eugene, OR

Categories: Administrative/Professional, Administrative/Office Support, Information Technology, Research/Scientific/Grants, Economics

Department: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: Starting at $155,000 per year; commensurate with experience.
Compensation Band: OS-OA13-Fiscal Year 2022-2023
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

May 22, 2023; position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants

With your online application, please upload a resume and a cover letter describing how you meet the minimum requirements, professional competencies, and any preferred qualifications. You will also be asked to enter the names and contact information of three professional references; candidates will be notified prior to contacting references. This job is located in Eugene, Oregon.

Department Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) serves as an advocate and catalyst within the University for expanding the range and impact of UO's research, scholarship, and creative endeavors. The OVPRI oversees sponsored programs, research compliance, technology transfer, economic development, industry engagement, research-based ventures, and research development and administrative responsibility for numerous high-profile research centers and institutes and core research facilities, which provide opportunities for faculty across the university to collaborate on research efforts that are inherently interdisciplinary, and of significant societal importance. As a university that holds the distinction of a "very high research activity" ranking in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the UO is also one of only two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Visit research.uoregon.edu to learn more.

The OVPRI is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we welcome, respect, and foster a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and/or LGBTQIA+ community members.

Position Summary

The Associate Vice President (AVP), for Industry Innovation & Translation (IIT) is responsible for managing Intellectual Property (IP) development and commercialization as well as industry engagement and economic development related to the research activities of the University of Oregon. IIT accelerates the impact of University of Oregon research by practicing proactive project management, acquiring intellectual property rights (patenting, copyright registration, trademarking), overseeing the Translational Opportunity Program (TOP), licensing, and supporting economic development, industry research, and other collaborative relationships with private and public partners. TOP is an exciting new program housed in IIT where innovators, innovation experts, MBA students, business law students, and subject matter experts explore commercial opportunities anchored with University of Oregon intellectual property rights. UO innovators receive entrepreneurship training and compete for translational research awards from $50,000-$250,000 to prepare to go to market. For those opportunities that show promise as a startup, Launch Oregon (a novel venture between UO and the UO Foundation) begins its due diligence investment process and assembles business talent, an advisory board, and sources initial capital and infrastructure.

The AVP of IIT will be a critical link between UO and Launch Oregon, incubators, accelerators, and federal startup support programs (e.g. I-Corps, Lean LaunchPad, Lens of the Market). The AVP will represent OVPRI and appropriately ensure the interests of UO and OVPRI are shared with Launch Oregon. The AVP will oversee other programs including the Women's Innovation Network (WIN), a program that promotes entrepreneurship among women, and start/manage other educational programming in the innovation space.

The AVP must have sufficient knowledge, experience, and business acumen to understand UO's strengths and resources to a degree such that they can effectively engage the external community globally and develop a network with other institutions, organizations, and individuals that support scalable IP management and innovation. This position has broad latitude and authority to accomplish goals and objectives, and the successful candidate must have strong leadership skills, high-functioning organizational skills, attention to detail, adherence to confidentiality, and discretion. This position is responsible for providing innovation teams with assessments of emerging problems or concerns.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Vice President for Research and Innovation. The Associate Vice President for Industry, Innovation & Translation is the senior leader responsible for the overall strategic direction, management, and administration of the University of Oregon's technology commercialization operations and industry engagement programs that accelerate the development of research relationships and increase the impact of University of Oregon research. This position is located in Eugene, Oregon.

Success for this position after 36 months would include:
  • Increased industry-sponsored research and contracts, disclosures, patents, and translational opportunities
  • Increased resources for TOP and WIN programs; graduating successful license and prelaunch opportunities
  • Seamless pipeline development processes for Launch Oregon
  • Increased economic development activities with appropriate metrics
  • Increased collaboration and awareness of UO colleges/schools/departments/Institutes for translational research and innovation

    Minimum Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree.
  • Five years of experience working as a professional technology transfer associate, industry engagement manager, or a role reflecting a combination of technology transfer and industry engagement duties, or a comparable role at a research-intensive institution of higher education or comparable organization.
  • Five years of progressive experience supervising professionals in the field of technology transfer/intellectual property protection, industry-sponsored research, economic development, and translational innovation at a research-intensive institution of higher education or comparable organization.
    Years of experience may be concurrent.

    We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

    Professional Competencies

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to develop, scale, and advance multiple complex projects/problems simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated abilities in leading, planning, or managing complex projects, organizational development initiatives, policy and procedure development, and/or business process optimization.
  • A sophisticated approach to cultural change that balances awareness of established practices with bold, reasoned pursuit of innovation.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively regarding UO's mission and innovation and research strategy both verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.
  • Ability to manage and provide oversight for budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting for innovation, research, and sponsored program activities.
  • Ability to interact with financial decision-makers and maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
  • Ability to interact, communicate, and work effectively with individuals, recognizing and respecting the many and varied identities of each person.
  • Demonstrable commitment to integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion in research.
  • Skills in relationship-building, with ability to grow/maintain engagement and motivation for self and others and build energy around programs and initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, set appropriate work priorities, and require minimal supervision over regular work activities.
  • Demonstrated excellence in analytical problem-solving.

    Preferred Qualifications

  • A PhD, M.B.A., J.D., or other master's degree related to position.
  • Significant expertise in all pertinent areas of law, regulation, policy, and protocols as they relate to the field of technology transfer, intellectual property management, and industry-sponsored research.
  • Experience at a major research university or other institution of comparable complexity.

    FLSA Exempt: Yes

    All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

    University of Oregon students and employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For additional information see: https://hr.uoregon.edu/uo-covid-19-vaccination-requirement-employee-process.

    The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

    The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

    UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

    In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.



    To apply, visit https://careers.uoregon.edu/en-us/job/531707/associate-vice-president-of-industry-innovation-and-translation







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