The Technology Business Development – Intellectual Property (IP) Associate supports the TBDM in managing the University of Maine System’s intellectual property portfolio and advancing technology transfer and commercialization activities. The position is responsible for IP evaluation, prosecution, and maintenance; technology marketing; support for collaborative and sponsored research; and contribution to broader economic development initiatives. The IP Associate works both independently and as part of a cross-functional team to help move innovations from UMaine and the University of Maine System (UMS) into practical use. While this role is 100% in-person, we offer the flexibility to be based out of either our Orono campus or Portland office (300 Fore Street). Please note that candidates choosing the Portland option will be required to travel to the Orono Campus on a regular basis. Typical hiring salary for this position is up to $98,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Complete Job Description
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu .
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field such as engineering, materials science, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in technology development or technology transfer, including at least 2 years in patent prosecution, preferably in a law firm, corporate, or university technology transfer setting.
- Experience with prior art searches and freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Experience with USPTO and international patent systems, including PCT filings, post-grant proceedings and related IP processes.
- Strong understanding of U.S. and international patent laws, regulations, and procedures.
- Highly organized with strong analytical, written and oral communication, problem‑solving and project management skills.
- Proficiency with common office software and IP/portfolio management tools.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners, including participation in meetings, planning sessions, and events.
- US person (citizen or permanent resident).
Preferred:
- Experience working with the forest products or a related industry.
- Direct experience in intellectual property, tech transfer, and business development (at a land-grant institution preferred), including exposure to start-up and spin-off companies and innovations at institutions of higher education.
- Demonstrated exposure to IP due diligence, licensing, and transactional work.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with inventors, attorneys, and technical and business professionals.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, client‑focused environment.
- Service-oriented mindset with the ability to function effectively as part of cross‑functional teams and drive results.
- Highest integrity, excellent judgment, and the ability to proactively recognize and effectively assess business risk and communicate IP and legal issues to key stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with prospective partners and members of the University, including occasional participation in meetings, planning sessions, and events.
- Interest in contributing insight and new ideas in an open forum.
- Awareness of standard pathways for taking basic and applied research through product development and commercialization.
- Familiarity with IP processes, laws and regulations, timelines, and related agreements or contracts.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Excellent computer skills.
- Experience with Maine-based public and private businesses or economic development is highly desirable.
Ability to travel occasionally, normally requiring a valid driver’s license.
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Other Information:
To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on May 22, 2026.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/ .
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report . If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.
