Lab Associate Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Technology Commercialization Associate (TCA) within the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). This position will support the commercialization of Lab-developed technologies in the energy or computer science research areas by helping to move innovations from the Lab into real-world applications.

Using professional concepts, industry practices and Lab policies, the TCA will resolve a variety of issues and support the development of IP strategies. This position will work closely with Berkeley Lab researchers and scientists to identify unique commercially promising technologies, assist in developing intellectual property (IP) strategies, support the full technology transfer lifecycle - from invention disclosure through licensing, including supporting entrepreneurial opportunities, advising on industry collaboration, helping to implement AI into workflows as appropriate. In addition, the person in this role will interact with a broad range of executives and professionals, including researchers, Lab leadership, patent attorneys, contracting professionals, marketing professionals, and other business development professionals.

You will:

• Manage the IP portfolio of energy or computer science related research by evaluating and prioritizing new and existing technologies, and developing and implementing appropriate IP strategies.
  • Review and assess invention and software disclosures to identify key technical features, potential applications, and commercial relevance by conducting market and competitive landscape analysis to evaluate technology-market fit, market dynamics, patentability, and licensing potential.
  • Prioritize technologies according to academic, commercial, societal, and/or programmatic potential.
  • Develop appropriate IP and marketing strategies to maximize impact while considering costs and resources required for commercialization.
  • Assist in the implementation of IP strategies for assigned cases in collaboration with patent attorneys.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of IP portfolio status, market outreach leads, and deal pipeline using relevant databases and tracking systems.
• Manage internal outreach and researcher engagement.
  • Build and maintain relationships with laboratory scientists and research staff to encourage timely and complete invention and software disclosures.
  • Educate researchers on technology transfer processes, IP fundamentals, and available commercialization resources.
  • Present technology transfer successes at annual scientific area or division meetings.
  • Serve as a reliable point of contact for researchers seeking guidance on IP-related matters.
• Manage the licensing life cycle to commercialize the IP portfolio of energy or computer sciences--related research.
  • Collaborate with marketing professionals to execute multi-channel marketing strategies, including identifying and contacting potential licensees through direct outreach, networking at conferences with governments, businesses and investors.
  • Develop and maintain industry contacts.
  • Support the negotiation and execution of licensing agreements, including the development of commercialization plans and drafting of business terms, including license scopes and financial terms, under the supervision of senior staff.
  • Support entrepreneurial engagement programs through participating or assisting with training and startup accelerator programs.
  • Support ongoing license compliance by maintaining relationships with licensees, monitoring their progress, understanding any market factors affecting commercialization progress, and working with compliance professionals.

We are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in an energy-related discipline, computer science, engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 1-3 years of related experience in technology transfer, business development, research commercialization, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to quickly understand technologies, relevant industries and markets, and potential applications.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively network and interact with researchers, patent attorneys, contracting professionals, and business development professionals in many contexts:
  • Visual, verbal, and written communications;
  • Conferences, group meetings, 1-on-1s;
  • Berkeley Lab, University of California, Department of Energy, Industry; and
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical individuals.
• Ability to develop strategies and goals, organize work toward those strategies and goals, and solve problems that might be encountered in executing work.
• Computer literacy, including web-based research and use of AI tools and relational databases (preferably common IP databases) and office productivity software (preferably Google Suite).

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Advanced degree in related discipline and a minimum of 1-3 years of experience in business development (MBA is a plus).
• 5 years of related experience in technology transfer, business development, research commercialization, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating term sheets for patent or software licenses.
• Experience with or demonstrated capability to learn IP subject matter, including IP law, IP transactions, and IP portfolio management.
• Experience with University of California and Department of Energy policies regarding IP and technology transfer related matters.
• Project management experience.
• Experience with implementing AI.
• Startup or entrepreneurship experience.
• Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.
• Demonstrated foundational knowledge of IP concepts.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 15, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• Salary range: The budgeted salary for this position is $105,000 - $145,000. The final salary salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, as well as aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with at least one day per week onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. 
• Export Control Access: This position will involve access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to export control regulations including, but not limited to, the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR") and/or International Traffic in Arms Regulations ("ITAR"). Accordingly, any hiring decision may depend in part on Berkeley Lab's ability to obtain or rely on federal government authorizations as required, if you are not a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S. ("green card holder"), asylee, refugee, or other qualifying protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.