Docket Specialist (Open-Rank, Senior thru Principal Professional)

Job Summary:

The Docket Specialist plays a vital role in the success of CU Innovations’ mission to protect and commercialize the University of Colorado’s cutting-edge research and intellectual property.  Reporting to the Patent Manager, this position is responsible for the accurate and timely management of all administrative aspects of CU Innovations’ intellectual property (IP) portfolio.  The Docket Specialist ensures that critical deadlines are met, records are meticulously maintained, and communications with internal and external stakeholders are handled with professionalism and precision.

This role requires a high level of attention to detail, a solid understanding of patent law fundamentals, and the ability to manage a large volume of complex information.  The Docket Specialist will be responsible for reviewing and interpreting legal documents, entering and tracking key deadlines in the IP docketing system, and interfacing with external counsel, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and other international patent authorities.

At the Principal level, this role will be a subject matter expert in patent and docket management.  They will provide recommendations to the team around best practices related to patent and docket management and will work to implement systems to ensure efficiency across the patent and docketing function.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, self-motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.  They must be capable of working independently with minimal supervision, while also contributing to a team-oriented culture.  Strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication, and a commitment to producing high-quality, detail-oriented work are essential.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of innovation and research at a leading academic institution.  The Docket Specialist will work closely with inventors, attorneys, licensing professionals, and external counsel to support the full lifecycle of intellectual property – from invention disclosure through prosecution, issuance, and maintenance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Accurately docket new patent application filings, incoming office actions, formalities and all other correspondence related to the filing, prosecution and maintenance of patent matters.
• Ensure all docket entries are complete, timely, and in compliance with internal procedures and external requirements
• Review and comprehend documents received from outside counsel.
• Identify relevant deadlines and ensure they are accurately entered into the docketing system in accordance with established procedures.
• Create new docket records in the IP database for new matters, including invention disclosures, patent applications, and related filings.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all IP assets.
• Monitor the IP inbox daily to identify and process incoming correspondence.
• Assist the Patent Manager and case managers with additional tasks and special projects as needed.
• Support process improvements and contribute to team efficiency and compliance.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of a minimum of 2-3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

At CU Innovations, we’re on a mission to revolutionize healthcare and improve lives. Our team works hand-in-hand with world-class researchers, visionary clinicians, and forward-thinking external partners to bring groundbreaking treatment options, medical devices, and cutting-edge technologies to life.

Located at the heart of innovation within the University of Colorado and partnering closely with UCHealth and Children’s Hospital of Colorado, we’re passionate about transforming ideas into tangible solutions that make a difference. From discovery to commercialization, our goal is clear: to ensure every innovation reaches its fullest potential, empowering patients and transforming healthcare outcomes.

By joining CU Innovations, you’ll be part of a dynamic and collaborative team that’s changing the future of medicine—one breakthrough at a time. Let’s turn potential into progress and innovation into impact!

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage .

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Senior Level Appointment:

• Bachelor’s degree in legal studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
• 2+ years of experience in a docketing or IP support role, preferably in a university technology transfer office, law firm, or corporate legal department.

Principal Level Appointment:

• Bachelor’s degree in legal studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
• 3+ years of experience in a docketing or IP support role, preferably in a university technology transfer office, law firm, or corporate legal department.
• Experience with domestic and foreign filings and knowledge of international IP systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in legal studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 4+ years’ of experience in a docketing or IP support role, preferably in a university technology transfer office, law firm, or corporate legal department.
• Experience working with global IP systems and knowledge or corresponding procedures (e.g., PCT, EPO, Madrid Protocol).
• Certification/education in docketing, paralegal studies, or legal administration.
• Experience with compliance and reporting in a regulated environment.
• Experience with domestic and foreign filings

Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s):

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Ability to perform duties with minimal direction.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of international IP systems.
• Wellspring/Sophia knowledge a plus.
• Ability to understand docket entries and recognize actions to be taken. 
• Familiarity with IP docketing systems and tools (e.g., CPI, Wellspring).
• Basic understanding of U.S. and international patent law and filing procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a high volume of action items efficiently.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and document review.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong proofreading abilities.
• Competent computer skills, including word processing, data entry, and information management using various formats.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.     A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2.     Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.     Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Lindley.Pagels@CUAnschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by July 11, 2025.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as:

Senior Professional: $69,500 - $85,000

Principal Professional: $79,622-$90,000

The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu ​

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .