Assistant Director – Plant Variety Licensing (IP OFCR 4)

Under the general direction of the Director of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), the Assistant Director – Plant Variety Licensing has the primary responsibility of managing a portfolio of cases within one or more major technology areas. The incumbent will be responsible for devising and implementing strategies for the evaluation, patent prosecution, marketing, licensing, and ongoing management of individual inventions within their assigned portfolio.

Apply By Date January 31, 2026 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications – For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline
• education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline and five to seven years’ experience, including some in a university setting, in licensing and/or related technology development and transfer positions of progressive responsibilities as they relate to plant variety licensing.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of science, law, and business as applied to technology evaluation, patent prosecution, and licensing of inventions in assigned areas to develop effective intellectual property strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science, Law, or business
• Experience with Evolve or comparable IP management system

Key Responsibilities

• 35% – Marketing, Licensing and Agreement Management
• 20% – Disclosure Evaluation and Patent Prosecution
• 25% – Supervision and Staff Management
• 15% – Campus Service
• 5% – Other

Department Overview

The UC Davis Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is responsible for administration of intellectual property, including implementation of the University of California Patent Policy, the evaluation of inventions, ensuring appropriate IP protection (including copyrights), prosecution of patents, and licensing of intellectual property, monitoring of existing licenses, distribution of resulting income, and provision of support to other University units in copyright, trademark, and research funding agreements.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $122,300/annually – $259,900/annually
• Salary Frequency: Annually
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: IP OFCR 4
• UC Job Code: 000339
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% – Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8AM-5PM
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: 99 – Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit’s employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs – Never 0 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs – Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs – Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs – Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) – Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes – Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels – Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature – Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation – Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment – Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures – Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations – Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills – Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks