Employer: Stanford University
Location: Redwood City, CA, United States
Category: Compliance Legal
Job function: Industrial Contracts
Workplace type: Hybrid
Contract type: Regular
Grade: K
Posted: 2026-09-15
Work Schedule
- Work Schedule: Hybrid work arrangement with at least 2 days per week on-site.
Budgeted Salary
- $158,135- $181,196 per annum
School/Unit Description
Dean of Research / Office of Technology Licensing: The Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) was established in 1970 to manage the intellectual property assets of Stanford University. OTL evaluates, markets, and licenses technology owned by the University. OTL's mission is to encourage effective technology transfer for the public benefit as well as generating royalty income for Stanford to benefit research and education. OTL is one of the country's most active offices in the field of technology transfer from the university to industry. Our staff, most of whom are professionals engaged directly in licensing, manages over 3,000 active dockets. The Licensing Transactions Team is part of OTL and supports technology licensing and research commercialization by drafting, negotiating and administering technology licenses and related agreements with companies, nonprofit organizations and other institutions. The team partners closely with Licensing Managers, faculty, staff, the Industrial Contracts Office and other Stanford offices to protect Stanford's intellectual property, manage institutional risk, and advance technologies for public benefit.
Position Summary
The Licensing Transactions Manager supports Stanford technology commercialization by independently drafting, negotiating and administering complex technology license and related agreements. Working in close partnership with Licensing Managers, the position translates approved business terms into clear, enforceable contract language, negotiates the legal and commercial provisions, manages transactions through execution, and handles amendments and other post-execution matters. The portfolio includes technology licenses and options, license amendments, inter-institutional agreements, sponsored research and collaboration agreements, nondisclosure agreements, material transfer agreements, data use agreements and other supporting contracts. Using established institutional policy, approved risk frameworks and negotiation playbooks, the position exercises delegated signature authority within its assigned scope, coordinates with the Office of General Counsel and relevant compliance partners, and escalates novel or high-risk issues appropriately. It also contributes to templates, process improvements and training for colleagues. The position reports to the Senior Licensing Transactions Manager (Industrial Contracts Officer 3) and has no direct reports. The OTL team is looking for a skilled negotiator who can independently structure and conclude licensing transactions, communicate regularly with faculty and staff, and maintain a positive, professional attitude in a fast-paced environment.
This is a 100% FTE, benefits-eligible hybrid position with the expectation to be in the office twice a week. For consideration, please submit resume. All final candidates must complete a background check.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to review and analyze complex information and develop creative, workable solutions that balance licensee, faculty, and institutional interests.
- Working knowledge of federal funding and Bayh-Dole obligations, export controls, privacy and data security, conflicts of interest, and other compliance considerations relevant to licensing transactions.
Core Duties
- Conduct formal negotiations, finalize and administer complex industry sponsored project agreements.
- Negotiate intellectual property and publication rights, including confidentiality, indemnification and invoicing terms.
- Negotiate Material Transfer Agreements, draft language that complies with University, Federal and other regulatory policies, requirements and conditions.
- Negotiate other research-related agreements that involve intellectual property, publication, confidentiality and related issues.
- Identify contractual and policy issues such as compliance, conflicts of interest and accounting, raise issues to appropriate university officials, and provide follow through until resolved.
- Advise and assist client groups by interpreting and explaining contract terms and conditions to faculty and staff.
- Resolve contractual problems that develop during course of project by consulting with investigators, staff and sponsors.
- Facilitate interactions with other university research administration offices.
- Review and revise standard agreements to reflect changes in University policies, Federal regulations and laws
- Participate in developing ideas for more effective client service; support Industrial Contracts Manager to coordinate the development and delivery of training to other team members, faculty and client groups.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree and seven years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced ability to draft, negotiate and conclude industry research agreements.
- Thorough understanding of intellectual property and licensing issues as they pertain to industry sponsored research.
- Thorough understanding of university research environment and policies.
- Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups and all levels of management.
- Advanced analytical and problem solving skills to review and analyze complex information.
- Significant experience with contracts and grants administration; demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively with industry.
- Strong service orientation, demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focused service environment.
- Extremely detail oriented and able to work well independently, but also able to seek out assistance when needed.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, good judgment and the ability to conduct negotiations in a timely manner.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize a variety of tasks and demands.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn applicable university and departmental systems.
