Job Opportunity: Technology Liaison

Background Description:
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is the single largest sponsor of R&D in the U.S. has an enviable record of developing new technology and partnering with industry for its commercialization. In addition to having a network of laboratories and infrastructure in place to develop and transfer technology and partner with industry, DoD also works with a number of external organizations, which assist it with its technology transfer mission.

Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC) runs a DoD-sponsored technology transfer program called SpringBoard. Springboard is a statewide Alaska-focused program with the mission to provide business and technical assistance to Alaska companies to help them meet mission-critical DoD needs. Key SpringBoard objectives include:

• Helping companies grow through licensing and commercialization of appropriate DoD technologies.
• Identification of new technologies in the private sector which can be utilized by DoD to meet mission requirements.
• Facilitation of joint R&D projects between DoD and private companies, including the development of cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs).
• Assisting entrepreneurs in the start-up of new companies around the commercialization of DoD technologies.

Summary
Funded under JEDC's SpringBoard program, the Technology Liaison will assist to achieve the goals of the SpringBoard Program team with the additional objectives to:

• Support the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) Network supported by DoD; and,
• Provide Washington, DC area support for efforts of SpringBoard, the PIA Network and generally to the DoD Office of Technology Transition.

Primary Job Functions

• Work to develop opportunities to introduce innovative commercial technologies into DoD programs and communities of use.
• Prepare analysis, assessment, and reports of technology transfer approaches, processes and challenges with a view to improving opportunities for technology transfer and transition.
• Assist potential technology transfer partners in understanding ways to leverage and utilize other DoD technology investment and technology deployment programs including: Joint Concept Technology Demonstrations (JCTD), Defense Acquisitions Challenge (DAC), transfer to first responder community ("1401 programs"), Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (DoD and Department of Commerce MEP), Mantech, Defense Production Act, etc.
• Assist DoD in developing strategies to enable DoD labs to cross leverage federal, state and local programs.
• Assist Alaska-based SpringBoard staff to perform technological and marketing research for inventions and intellectual property developed by Alaskan companies and government laboratories to firms and/or laboratories in the Eastern US, including support to draft initial license agreements and cooperative research and development agreements and to draft initial commercialization plans for new technologies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision and Decision Making
This position will be located at the Office of Technology Transition in Arlington, Virginia and carries out duties and responsibilities under the supervision of SpringBoardÕs Program Manager based in Alaska. Successful execution of the duties of the position require that there be constant coordination with the DoD Office of Technology and Transition and that priorities and activities of that office, under the direction of the Director are given due attention. Decisions and work priorities will be consistent with SpringBoard objectives and the best interests of the program.

Travel
This position requires occasional business related travel, including periodic travel to/from the SpringBoard offices in Alaska and travel primarily on the Eastern seaboard of the US to assist in SpringBoard activities with DoD laboratories primarily.

Authority
Does not direct the activities of staff or a function.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in business, engineering, information technology, chemistry, biology or physical science.
• Experience with Technology Transfer activities.
• Excellent communications skills, including high level writing skills, especially technical writing.
• Exceptional organizational skills, time management and strong ability to manage details
• Team player with a proven ability to interact with all levels of staff and constituents from diverse communities.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• A commitment to the mission of the Juneau Economic Development Council.

Qualifications Desired

• MBA degree
• Exposure to intellectual property issues
• Exposure to industrial R&D or technology acquisition activities
• Work with a venture capital firm financing technology start-ups a plus

Compensation and Benefits

• This is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt position based in Arlington, Virginia with occasional local travel. The duration of this position is estimated at 24 months.
• The salary offered is based on the applicant's education level, experience and other attributes. JEDC offers outstanding benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance for employees who work over half time; a retirement contribution; holiday pay and progressive amounts of annual leave based on years of service.
• Employment at the Juneau Economic Development Council is contingent upon successful completion of drug screening and criminal background screening as well as successful past employer reference checks. All employment at the JEDC is "at will" and may be terminated by either the employee or the employer at any time for any reason, with or without cause, with or without prior notice or warning.
• Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles of the JEDC.

To apply, please submit current resume, three professional references that we may contact, and a JEDC Job Application (PDF) to Margaret O'Neal, JEDC, 612 W. Willoughby Ave, Suite A, Juneau, AK 99801 or jobs@jedc.org or fax application info to 907-463-3929.

Download Job Application (PDF)