Business Development and Licensing Associate, Plant Varieties and Research Materials
$89,016–$103,452 year
HybridIthaca, New York, United States
Job Summary
Draft and negotiate plant license agreements, amendments, and non-disclosure agreements while managing dozens of agreements annually and high volumes of material transfer agreements. Engage in outreach to plant breeders, researchers, and students to increase education on plant IP and licensing, then interact with licensees to follow up on milestones and support extensions. Coordinate with the Contract & Finance team and lend technical expertise to secure domestic and international IP rights for plant varieties. Conduct due diligence and make recommendations to the Office of Sponsored Programs on agreements for incoming plant material. This role supports the Center for Technology Licensing's mission to advance technology commercialization and partnerships at Cornell University's Ithaca campus.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in plant sciences (or strong knowledge in plant sciences)
- 3-5 years' experience in industry or academic tech transfer offices
- Proven team player with ability to interact with a wide range of people in a professional and ethical manner, including colleagues, faculty, students, business development professionals, lawyers, and investors
- Excellent communication skills – listening, presenting, and writing – with proven sensitivity and ability to manage confidential information
- Service-minded, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a demanding and collaborative environment that encourages critical, strategic thinking with proven ability to also work and learn independently
- Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with industrial research and development in plant sciences or technology acquisition activities
- Experience in plant-related agriculture sector
- Prior work with technology startups or venture investment activities
- Exposure to, or hands-on experience, with customer relationship management (CRM) software platforms, particularly in the context of technology marketing or R&D partnerships
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