Intellectual Property and Data Reporting Specialist, The Division of Research & Innovation

Intellectual Property and Data Reporting Specialist, The Division of Research & Innovation

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Intellectual Property and Data Reporting Specialist, The Division of Research & Innovation at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, and integrity creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The Intellectual Property and Data Reporting Specialist interfaces with Wayne State University (WSU) faculty inventors, licensing associates, and internal and external legal and patent counsel to ensure accurate and timely administration of invention and patent related activities. Provides support to the office of technology commercialization by administering patent and intellectual property related activities in accordance with established processes. The essential functions of this position support the protection and commercialization of the university’s intellectual property assets.

Manages WSU’s institutional reporting obligations for federally funded research by reporting relevant information into iEdison, through the entire reporting lifecycle, including invention disclosures, election of title, patent filings, confirmatory licenses, government support clauses, and annual utilization reporting. Creates and manages all necessary records in relevant database for appropriate management of intellectual property developed at Wayne that is not federally funded. This position reports to the Director, Intellectual Property and Contracts.

Essential Functions :

Inputs and updates internal intellectual property management databases regularly with invention disclosures, patent applications, issued patents, patent office correspondence Administrative Patent Committee documents, or other documents, as appropriate. Responsible for tracking the progress of patent filings, completing checklists, and recording patent filing decisions, in Minuet database. Reviews and records assignments, notices of issued and abandoned patents in Inteum. Communicates with external service provider regarding the payment of patent annuity and maintenance fees.

Primary responsibility for assessing and inputting relevant information into iEdison through the entire reporting lifecycle, including election to retain title (or not), patent filings, confirmatory licenses, government support clauses, prosecution and maintenance decisions, patent issuances, and annual utilization reporting.

Respond to federal agency inquiries regarding invention records, reporting accuracy, or compliance issues. Maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with Bayh–Dole obligations for grant closeout and agency review purposes. Track agency activity status (active vs. inactive agencies) and adjust reporting procedures based on agency participation in iEdison. [nist.gov]. Ensure that all information is submitted to iEdison in a timely fashion, is complete, and accurate.

Primary responsibility for monitoring incoming requests and responding as appropriate, by taking action or directing to appropriate office staff for subsequent action. Facilitate execution of legal documents related to patent filings and other patent office documentation (e.g., Inventor Declaration, Assignments, Power(s) of Attorney). Coordinates communication between inventors, Technology Commercialization staff and law firms.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education : Associate’s degree

Associate’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college/university in a relevant field (e.g., life sciences, engineering, legal studies, research administration), or a Paralegal Certificate with emphasis on intellectual property or technology law, or contracts. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Experience : Experienced (minimum 2 years of job-related experience.

Experience with Inteum, Wellspring, Sophia, or similar databases.

Experience with United States Patent and Trademark Office Patent Center (USPTO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Espacenet and annuity services preferred.

Experience with government reporting and iEdison preferred.

Familiarity with research administration, sponsored programs, or intellectual property management.

Experienced working with data management and updating database records.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines.

Superior computer skills, including Microsoft suite of applications.

Strong and effective interpersonal skills including the ability to successfully interact with a variety of audiences: research scientists and clinicians, law firms, and patent attorneys; licensing associates and other institutional staff and senior administration. Must perform duties with high quality customer service, courtesy, and confidentiality.

Ability to work both independently and in a team environment; self-motivated.

Excellent written/oral communication skills.

Committed to learning existing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and implementing new processes as the need arises.

School/College/Division:

H09 - Research

Primary Department:

H0905 - VP Research

Employment Type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Annual Salary: To be determined

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment.

Hybrid position – 3 days/week (Tues./Wed./Thurs.) on campus, at the I2C building.

The successful candidate will be permitted to work from home on Mondays and Fridays, if desired.

Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.