Plant Licensing Administrative Specialist

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S12316P

Working Title Plant Licensing Administrative Specialist

Department VPR-Innovation Gateway

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date 06/28/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date 08/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.



Position Information

Classification Title Office/Clerical Lead

FLSA Non-Exempt

FTE 1.0

Minimum Qualifications

Requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 4 years' experience working in large complex organizations. Familiarity with higher education, preferably experience working in a land-grant institution. An understanding and familiarity with financial data.

Position Summary

This position provides administrative support for the Innovation Gateway commercialization program that encompasses the university's intellectual property (IP) licensing and startup support functions to ensure that UGA research discoveries reach their full potential for public benefit. The successful candidate will play a key role in the Ag Biotech/Plant licensing team that handles a very high volume of complex, IP agreements that enable the transfer of new inventions and plant cultivars to industry partners for product development. This position involves proven ability to manage a large number of projects with competing deadlines. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, dependable, detail-oriented self-starter with excellent communications skills who is ready to assume a key role within a very productive team. Experience as a paralegal or with contract management/negotiation is highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

- Highly motivated
- Dependable
- Detail-oriented self-starter
- Excellent communication skills

Physical Demands

Sitting at desk and computer for long periods of time

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.



Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Administration of Ag/plant-related intellectual property agreements including:

• create/update agreement records in Sophia database
• track agreement status in coordination with other members of the ag/plant licensing team to ensure timely agreement completion
• manage agreement-related correspondence to facilitate communication with all parties, as well as communicate with faculty and licensees
• assist with preparation/filing of IP-related documents (Patents, Trademarks, PVPs, PBRs, etc.)
• -Create/maintain required electronic and hard copy files for cases/agreements

Percentage of time 40 Duties/Responsibilities

• Independently prepare and draft license and option agreements based on agreement templates and previously executed agreements. Serve a primary contact for these agreements

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform all compliance-related tasks for Plant IP agreements ensuring payments and reporting are fulfilled, correct, and up-to-date, as well as work with compliance manager and Plant IP team to determine any needed actions.
• Enter agreement terms into Sophia to facilitate post-licensing compliance
• Assist with processing Non-Plant related revenue into database and communication with UGARF accounting

Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordinate with UGARF accounting team to distribute royalty revenue to UGA inventors as well as informing Deans and Department Chairs of royalty distributions to their units.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage new Plant IP email account
• Manage DocuSign account and agreement routing to expedite execution of plant agreements.

Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities

• Participate in Operations team and provide backup coverage for intellectual property database administrator functions as well as backup administrative support for Innovation Gateway front office operations

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Erin Eaton

Recruitment Contact Email erineaton@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone



Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents