MCCA Career Center

The University of Chicago has engaged Major, Lindsey & Africa on an exclusive basis to conduct a search for an Associate General Counsel – IP/Technology Transfer – Commercialization to be located in Chicago, IL.

Position Overview: The University's Office of Legal Counsel provides legal advice and representation to all units of the University under the direction and oversight of Kim Taylor, the Vice President and General Counsel. The Office of Legal Counsel is responsible for providing advice and services to University officials on an extremely broad set of legal issues associated with the University’s activities, including transactional and intellectual property matters, policy formulation and compliance, employment and student issues, and dispute resolution.  The Office of Legal Counsel negotiates and resolves unique and complex issues to promote compliance with relevant laws, regulations and University policies.  It represents the University’s interests in administrative and judicial proceedings, and advises University officials in establishing and maintaining relationships with regulatory and other governmental entities, and establishing and maintaining related compliance policies and protocols.

The Associate General Counsel – IP/Technology Transfer and Commercialization will primarily support the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, https://polsky.uchicago.edu/, will work closely with the other University lawyers in the Office of Legal Counsel, will liaise with various units and affiliates of the University including the Office of the Provost and Vice Provost for Research, University Research Administration and academic units, and will take on additional and independent responsibilities over time.  The Associate General Counsel – IP/Technology Transfer and Commercialization must be comfortable learning new areas of law and able to grow into the role of being a trusted advisor on the myriad of matters a complex institution like the University faces.  In addition, the successful candidate must have a high capacity to collaborate in diverse environments and build relationships, handle matters involving issues in practice areas of high ambiguity with which the candidate may not have previous experience, and provide practical and credible guidance throughout the University community. This position will report to the General Counsel and will work directly with Polsky leadership.

Company Overview: The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Minimum requirements include a Juris Doctor degree.

Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of legal experience.

Certifications:
Member in good standing of Illinois bar within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:
Education:

• Juris Doctor degree from a strong law school.

Experience:

• Seven to ten years of legal experience in a broad intellectual property and technology transfer practice. Experience in a research university or corporate setting preferred. A STEM or engineering background preferred.
• Background in foreign and domestic laws relating to intellectual property ownership and registration, including the Bayh-Dole Act and associated regulations.
• Background in patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret and contract laws, relevant enforcement trends and strategies to manage related risks.
• Possess knowledge of transaction structures and an understanding of the breadth and range of market terms and potential alternatives.
• Capacity to handle matters involving issues in practice areas of high ambiguity with which individual may not have previous experience.
• Broad variety of licensing transactions covering patents, software, copyrights, and data.
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating terms sheets, license and technology commercialization agreements, and intellectual property assignments; corporate partnerships for sponsored research and related agreements.
• Background in a wide range of other agreements including, collaboration agreements, agreements with federal and state agencies for projects supporting scientific innovation, inter-institutional agreements with universities and research institutions, material transfer agreements, and confidentiality agreements.
• Learning new areas of law.
• Delivering practical advice and alternative solutions to business issues and participating in business decision-making processes.
• Analyzing and addressing issues regarding potential conflicts of interest.
• Transactions accepting equity in start-up companies in connection with licensing and technology transfer activities.
• Compliance and development of corporate policies; charitable organizations, government grants and contracts; and export control.

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits.

Location: Chicago, IL

Application Documents:

• Resume/CV (required)
• References Contact Information (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Application Process: For full consideration, inquiries, applications, and nominations must be sent by email to Heather Fine at hfine@mlaglobal.com and Mindy Sircus at msircus@mlaglobal.com. Please note all job seekers wishing to be considered for the position must also submit their materials through the University’s Workday site. https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Hyde-Park-Campus/Associate-General-Counsel---IP-Technology-Transfer---Commercialization_JR15999

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.