Description

NHLBI Technology Transfer Fellowship

The NHLBI Office of Technology Transfer And Development (OTTAD) is seeking qualified candidates in the fast-growing field of technology transfer.  OTTAD is responsible for managing all aspects of technology transfer for the NHLBI, and have made arrangements with six other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) to manage their work as well.  Primarily, the office arranges agreements to authorize sharing research materials and/or confidential data, to enable collaborations with third parties, and to license inventions made by scientists in  the NHLBI and its Client ICs.  OTTAD also oversees a portfolio of patent applications and patents, working with contract law firms who manage the application processes.  The Technology Transfer Fellowship (TTF) is a time-limited position for a person with a strong background in science interested in gaining hands-on experience in technology transfer in a government setting. 

Responsibilities of a Technology Transfer Fellow (all with close supervision):

• Drafting and negotiating Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs), Research Collaboration Agreements (RCAs), Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), and, opportunity presenting, other types from an assortment of less frequent agreements.
• Drafting, negotiating, and coordinating review of Cooperative Research And Development Agreements (CRADAs).
• Evaluating inventions made by NIH scientists, managing patent prosecution through the contract law firms, serving as a liaison for the inventors, and addressing assorted intellectual-property issues for the benefit of the ICs.
• Developing abstracts of inventions and other marketing materials to seek licensees and collaborators.
• Negotiating licenses to patent properties and/or unique research resources to the private sector, either for internal uses or for development and commercialization of new products.
• As available: optionally attending conferences (travel may be required to do so) and relevant training.
• Other office duties related to the above.
  
  

Fellows are not assured opportunities to engage in all activities above, the range depends on what matters arise.

Fellowships are for one (1) year, renewable yearly (five (5) years maximum) based on funding.  Stipends are preset to the education level and number of years of directly applicable experience, they are paid monthly in arrears, and they may receive annual cost-of-living increases (based on Congressional funding).  Health benefits are provided.  The duty station is on the NIH main campus in Bethesda, but Fellows will be eligible for telework once trained to work independently.  DHHS/NIH/NHLBI/OTTAD is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Minimum Requirements:

To perform fully, incumbents of the full-time position on which the fellowship is based need an advanced degree in biomedical sciences (e.g., M.S., Ph.D., or M.D), or equivalent scientific training and prior tech-transfer experience.  Other degrees, particularly a J.D. and M.B.A., are highly advantageous but not required.  Each TTF likewise must have a science background (a B.S. or equivalent experience), plus some additional relevant (biomedical or legal)  graduate-level training, however, no specific degree is essential for eligibility, and TTFs will get additional training once on board.

In addition, eligibility requires that a TTF (as candidate or up for renewal) must:

• Have earned an academic degree within the last eight (8) years.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card) who is eligible for citizenship within four (4) years.
• Have skills in writing and speaking in a business context, including fluency in the English language.
• Be able to use Microsoft Office® (specifically Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and data-entry skills.
  
  

How to Apply:

Prepare an application package of: (1) a description of why you are interested, (2) a resume or CV, (3) your most recent academic transcript showing the degree, and (4) at least three professional references who have seen your recent work.  Please email your application to Mr. Mario Carranza carranzam@nhlbi.nih.gov . Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis and will be retained for up to twelve (12) months; if a TTF slot opens in that time, qualified candidates will be contacted.