Research & Industry Alliances Officer

Department Overview

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is globally recognized for excellence across academics, research, healthcare, culture, continuing education, and athletics. UCLA has a prolific academic faculty and secures over $1 billion annually in extramural research funding. The UCLA Technology Development Group (TDG) is a dedicated team focused on technology commercialization, industry collaboration, and entrepreneurial growth.

Role Summary

The Research & Industry Alliances (RIA) Officer is tasked with negotiating, drafting, and executing industry-related agreements; managing business relationships and development; and collaborating closely with UC and UCLA departments. This includes handling a portfolio of agreements such as industry sponsorships and material transfer contracts. Each agreement is carefully reviewed and negotiated to align with university policies, faculty expectations, and to avoid conflicts with existing contracts. Key terms covered include publishing rights, intellectual property, licensing, confidentiality, and deliverables.

The officer performs sector analyses to identify relevant researchers and industry leaders, facilitates meetings connecting faculty with industry for research funding, and maintains ongoing engagement to ensure mutual satisfaction and explore contract renewals or expansions. They work closely with UCLA and UC colleagues to share best practices, explore alternative contractual options, and leverage institutional resources.

Qualifications

• Proven experience negotiating contracts in academic, nonprofit, corporate, or legal settings, with the ability to draft relevant contract clauses.
• Understanding of research funding sources and policy differences between gifts, grants, and contracts, particularly regarding industrial funding.
• Strong communication skills to comprehend partnership goals, identify potential risks, and draft language protecting university interests.
• Familiarity with academic, personnel, and financial principles in university environments.
• Knowledge of industry contracting, export control, subcontracting processes, and Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Business development, marketing, presentations, and sales experience for delivering concise, targeted information.
• Demonstrated management skills, attention to detail, business insight, sound judgment, and integrity to handle a large caseload independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and ability to build effective relationships in a diverse, multicultural academic community.
• Capable of detecting contract issues both in the explicit text and by evaluating what is omitted.

Education & Certifications

Possession of a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or other advanced degree is preferred.

Additional Employment Conditions

• Employment depends on passing a thorough background check.
• A Live Scan background check is required before starting employment.
• The role is subject to the University Conflict of Interest Code under the Political Reform Act; selected candidates must complete public financial disclosures.

Work Schedule

Regular hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.