Oak Ridge National Laboratory · 14 hours ago
Commercialization Manager
Oak Ridge, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
4+ years expOak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a leading science and energy laboratory under the Department of Energy. They are seeking a Commercialization Manager who will drive technology licensing and commercialization strategies, manage an intellectual property portfolio, and build partnerships to accelerate innovation from the lab to the marketplace.
Advanced MaterialsClean EnergyEnergyEnergy ManagementManufacturingNuclearRenewable Energy
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead Technology Commercialization: Oversee the full lifecycle of ORNL technologies—from IP protection and marketing to licensing and commercialization
Evaluate Innovation: Assess 40–80 new inventions annually for commercial potential, collaborating with inventors, patent agents, and external law firms
Develop Market Strategies: Identify market opportunities, analyze competitive landscapes, and craft licensing plans aligned with patenting strategies
Drive Business Growth: Proactively engage potential licensees, negotiate agreements, and structure deals that align with company goals and due diligence milestones
Build Strategic Relationships: Serve as the primary liaison between ORNL’s Technology Transfer Division and research directorates; deliver training and outreach to foster commercialization culture
Represent ORNL: Act as an ambassador at national and international forums, licensing association meetings, and industry events
Support Collaborative Initiatives: Manage commercialization for large-scale DOE programs and assist with agreements such as Material Transfer Agreements and Non-Disclosure Agreement s
Champion ORNL Values: Promote Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service in all interactions and decisions
Qualification
Required
A master's degree in physical sciences (materials, chemistry, physics, optics) or an engineering discipline (Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial) and 4+ years of relevant experience, or a PhD in similar field and 2+ years of relevant experience
Proven track record in technology transfer, licensing or the commercialization of technology in a scientific or academic setting (i.e. experience at another National Laboratory or R1 University)
Ability to manage and process multiple disclosures, patents, copyrights, and priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong business acumen with the ability to bridge scientific and commercial perspectives
Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
Working knowledge of IP law (patents, copyrights, trademarks) and basic contract law
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license
Preferred
Ph.D. in a physical science or engineering discipline plus MBA or Patent Agent
Involvement in professional organizations (LES, FLC, or AUTM), groups and committees dedicated to furthering the transition of scientific/technical developments to the commercial marketplace
Benefits
Medical and retirement plans
Flexible work hours
On-site fitness
Banking
Cafeteria facilities
Prescription Drug Plan
Dental Plan
Vision Plan
401(k) Retirement Plan
Contributory Pension Plan
Life Insurance
Disability Benefits
Generous Vacation and Holidays
Parental Leave
Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
Employee Assistance Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Accounts
Wellness Programs
Educational Assistance
Relocation Assistance
Employee Discounts
Company
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory holds a range of R&D assignments, from fundamental nuclear physics to applied R&D on advanced energy systems.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$9.8MKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2023-09-21Grant· $4.8M
2023-07-27Grant
2022-03-14Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Arjun Shankar
Division Director, National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Brett Ellis
Division Director - Research Computing Support
Recent News
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