Assistant Director of Licensing

Organizational Summary

The USF Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is responsible for the identification, evaluation, development, protection and utilization of intellectual property rights that result from USF research activities and from the activities of USF researchers in affiliated hospitals and other off-site facilities. Clients of department include USF faculty and staff researchers and innovators, venture and technology companies desiring to license USF technologies and VC and other investors interested in investing in USF technology innovation.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Licensing assists in leading the identification, evaluation, protection, marketing and licensing efforts for commercialization of the University of South Florida intellectual property portfolio.

Primary Job Duties

• Supports the Director by contributing to the annual and long-term technology commercialization strategies and provides expertise in negotiation of complex contract terms. Develops new licensing strategies to maximize commercialization efforts of University based intellectuals property. Responsible for meeting annual TTO technology licensing related goals. Ensures compliance with university, state and federal policies and procedures associated with intellectual property (IP) and technology transfer.
• Evaluates disclosed USF innovations for technology readiness, commercial potential, and protectability under statutory mechanisms (patents, copyrights, trademarks). Coordinates development for disclosed technologies and ensures progress through IP protection, partner identification, and deal negotiation. Formulates new licensing models, strategies, and terms to maximize commercial impact and revenue generation. Prepares and negotiates license agreements. Acts as a primary liaison to licensing partners, ensuring compliance, relationship development, and issue resolution.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with USF faculty, researchers, students, and academic units to foster a culture of innovation and commercialization. Conducts outreach and educational activities to increase engagement in IP disclosure, protection, and licensing efforts.
• Compiles data and statistical information for required reports and specific requests, including the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) Licensing Survey, USF Strategic Plan, SUS Annual Accountability Report and BOG Workplan, USF Research & Innovation Annual Statistical Reports, and any additional requests from university leadership. Provides information and assistance to USF faculty, researchers, staff and students regarding USF IP policies, IPrelated federal regulations and policies, and processes, services, and programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of four years related exempt experience. Positions with supervisory duties require a minimum of four years related exempt experience, with at least two of those years including supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Possession of a M.S. or PhD in a science-related field, two (2 years) of direct supervision experience and responsibility for training, work coordination, and monitoring work of
others.

Additional Information for Applicants

This position requires a Level 1 background check.

FLSB1310 Equivalency:
4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.
6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Contact the USF ADA Lead ( hr-ADA-Request@usf.edu ) to coordinate your accommodation request.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.