In 1980, the Bayh–Dole Act
gave universities ownership of the intellectual property rights of
research, even if federal funding had financed the project. In the
following years, universities began to profit off of research, and
technology transfer took off.
With this expansion of the
technology transfer field came the need for professionals who understood
both science and business. As the gatekeepers between research and
commercialization, these individuals have to have an eye for potential.
They also need to make sure that everyone from researchers to corporate
partners value technology transfer in the same way. These individuals
who link research and industries have become the heart of technology
transfer.
Although growth of technology transfer in the U.S. has
slowed slightly there are still plenty of opportunities within the
field, and there are a few things you should know about who is getting hired.
Many
professionals in the field have backgrounds in research and science
themselves, but now act as licensing managers, industry relations
officers, and grant writers. While, research and science training
provide a good base of knowledge, there are other doors into technology
transfer as well.
Technology transfer offices, like that of the University of Washington now look for interns
to help with project summary, licensing, and other important aspects of
development. These internships are great opportunities to learn about
the industry and they can also lead to full time positions.
Business
experience and a law background can also give a candidate an
advantage. Assessing market potential through pricing models and
understanding contracts are major components of the industry, so
business and law knowledge can provide candidates with a major
competitive advantage. And, as with many professions, people and
communication skills can greatly impact one’s success in technology
transfer too.
Clearly there is no direct career path to obtaining a
position in technology transfer, and companies often must search
relentlessly to find professionals that bring the correct mixture of
experience and background to the table. However, it is clear that in
this ever-evolving industry, the more multifaceted a candidate the
greater their chances of success in the technology transfer field.
Do you feel your background parallels well with the technology transfer industry? Follow these tips to jump start your job search. Do you need help finding the right technology transfer professional or position? Contact the Vortechs Group, and let us help you find the perfect match!