Associate Patent Administrator

The Technology Commercialization office supports the research mission of the University by facilitating the transfer of UMN innovation beyond the research lab by helping our diverse researchers to license research, patent innovative ideas, and facilitate commercialization.

The Associate Patent Administrator will be responsible for the day-to-day operational activity related to University of Minnesota Intellectual Property and is a core member of the 4 FTE IP Admin team. The Associate Patent Administrator will be primarily tasked with the collection of formal documents related to University IP including Assignments and Declarations. This position reports to the Tech Comm Operations & Finance Manager.

The IP Admin team is responsible for entry of patent applications and legal notices in the Tech Comm database, database integrity, patent annuity and maintenance fee management, processing of formal legal documents required for patent applications, and regulatory compliance associated with federal and non-federal sponsors of University research.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Formal Documents Portfolio (60%)

• Review incoming requests for inventor signatures on all formal documents (Assignments and Declarations)
• Review incoming requests for Powers of Attorney and other patent-related legal documents
• Assign formal documents to students and staff for processing; monitor workloads, make adjustments as needed

Communications (20%)

• Coordinate and communicate with engaged law firms and third-party counsel
• Distribute Updates and other correspondence to internal Tech Comm staff
• Use the central email system - OTCPATENT@UMN.EDU

Undergraduate Student Supervision (10%)

• Meet regularly with all students regarding formal documents and special projects to resolve problems, ensure processing is timely

Special Projects Related to IP Admin (10%)

• Projects could include clearing of backlog items
• Updates to Operating Procedures

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and Tech Comm endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position has been designated as eligible for flexible work profile three. Profile three employees are expected to work remotely more than 50% of the time. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location. Tech Comm management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.
• Experience administering and managing complex projects
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues and/or emergencies arise
• Able to work independently and with others and with diverse populations;
• Able to handle interruptions, prioritize workload, follow-up and meet deadlines;
• Innovative thinker with strong analytic, conceptual and problem-solving skills;

Preferred Qualifications

• Six or more years of legal administrative experience, preferably in a law firm or court system
• Experience in Intellectual Property administration
• Paralegal experience; experience drafting/editing legal documents; legal research
• Advanced degree or certification (JD, Master of Public Affairs or Public Administration, MBA)

The Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) office at the University of Minnesota helps University research move beyond the lab and into the marketplace.

Our mission includes:

• Protection of University Intellectual Property
• Connecting researchers with companies
• Licensing technology for development of new products and services that benefit public good
• Fostering economic growth
• Generating revenue that supports the University's research and education goals
  

Visit our website to learn more!

Pay Range: $32.52 - $37.23; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).