Description

Overview

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) provides leadership and oversight for Tufts University’s research enterprise, supporting programs and offices that advance research, innovation, and impact.

Technology Commercialization (TC), within OVPR, facilitates the transfer of Tufts University research from the lab to the marketplace for public benefit. TC manages the University’s intellectual property portfolio, including invention evaluation, patenting, licensing, and the fostering of new ventures, while supporting faculty and student entrepreneurs. Through this work, TC helps translate Tufts research into realworld solutions that deliver public and societal benefit.

This is a unique opportunity to support and help strengthen Technology Commercialization at Tufts University. The Intellectual Property Coordinator plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and scalability of TC’s intellectual property and commercialization operations, with exposure to the full lifecycle of university innovation—including intellectual property management, regulatory compliance, financial operations, and the commercialization of research discoveries. TC is a collaborative, detaildriven team that values continuous improvement and thoughtful problemsolving.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, in accordance with University policy.

What You'll Do

Reporting to the Associate Director, Operations, the Intellectual Property Coordinator serves as a key operational partner within Technology Commercialization (TC), supporting core intellectual property and commercialization operations. Working with a high level of independence and professional judgment, the Coordinator plays an integral role in TC’s intellectual property, administrative, financial, and compliance activities, collaborating closely with TC case managers, inhouse counsel, external counsel, and service providers.

Responsibilities include:

IP Docketing and Database Operations

• Support and maintain TC’s intellectual property database systems (Inteum, Legal Tracker, CPI) to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant docketing.
• Process invention disclosures and agreement requests submitted through TC’s online portal.
• Track patentrelated deadlines and coordinate docketing activity with inhouse counsel, outside patent counsel, and external docketing service providers.

Regulatory Reporting and Compliance Support

• Assist with updates to the iEdison government reporting system, including invention reporting, title elections, confirmatory licenses, and utilization reporting.
• Support compliance with federal and institutional requirements related to federally funded research and intellectual property management.

Financial and Administrative Operations

• Support IPrelated financial activities, including review and processing of external law firm invoices and other TC expenses.
• Assist with invoicing, reimbursement processing, commercialization income tracking, and preparation of disbursements to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of administrative and financial workflows to enhance efficiency, transparency, and audit readiness.

Operational and Administrative Support

• Provide highlevel administrative support across TC’s operations.
• Assist with documentation, process improvements, and crossteam coordination in support of TC’s strategic and operational goals.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• A Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience (additional relevant experience may be substituted on an equivalent yearforyear basis).
• Two to five years of progressively responsible experience in administrative, operational, or intellectual propertyrelated roles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows, prioritize multiple demands, and meet timesensitive deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively use, maintain, and manage specialized intellectual property and compliance systems, with demonstrated experience preferred.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and the ability to quickly learn and effectively use enterprise, IP, and financial systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex or technical information to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in a serviceoriented, teambased environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior operational or administrative experience in an academic technology commercialization, technology transfer, or research administration setting.
• Understanding of the university research environment, including sponsored research and intellectual property policies and practices.
• Familiarity with intellectual property and federal compliance systems such as iEdison, Inteum, CPI RealTime, and Thomson Legal Tracker.
• Experience working with legal counsel, external vendors, or service providers in a coordinated operational environment.
   

Who This Role Is a Great Fit For

This role is well suited for detailoriented professionals with experience supporting complex administrative, compliance, or operational workflows who are interested in intellectual property and the commercialization of academic research. Candidates who enjoy collaborating across teams, improving processes, and working in a missiondriven environment will thrive in this role.

Pay Range

Minimum $30.00, Midpoint $35.70, Maximum $41.40
 

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.

Tufts University is an equal opportunity employer.