Most people have never heard of tech transfer recruiting—but it’s one of the most specialized and impactful niches in the world of innovation. Behind every great lab-to-market success story, there’s often a recruiter who knows how to spot talent with just the right mix of scientific know-how, business savvy, and the X-factor that doesn’t show up on paper. In this episode, I talk with Glen Gardner, one of the only recruiters in the world who focuses exclusively on tech transfer, licensing, IP, and innovation leadership.

Glen has been in the game for over 20 years, and he’s built deep relationships across federal labs and universities. He shares how he got his start recruiting for Oak Ridge National Lab, what hiring managers are really looking for today, and why the expectations for candidates have shifted so dramatically. We also dig into the tension between wanting someone who can “hit the ground running” versus making space for newcomers to grow into roles. Glen offers a behind-the-scenes look at what separates good teams from great ones and how culture, leadership, and mentorship all play a part.

If you’re navigating your next move in tech transfer—or trying to build a team that can do more than just manage IP—this conversation will give you real insight into what works, what’s changing, and why Glen believes that cross-pollination between academia, industry, and federal labs is the key to the future of innovation.

In This Episode:

[01:41] We learn how Glen got into the tech transfer space. He started out as an IT recruiter and was asked to find someone to help commercialize intellectual property. 

[02:42] Glen shares his inspiration for Gardner Innovation Search Partners.

[04:03] His firm specializes in talent acquisition for tech transfer, IP, licensing, and innovation leadership. Recruits need a background in all of this plus possible specialization in specific desired areas. 

[05:25] The landscape of hiring in tech transfer has become more narrow as it has progressed. There's only about 10,000 people in the world who do this.

[07:35] People who can hit the ground running and have cradle-to-grave experience are highly desired.

[09:09] The importance of cross-pollinating in the federal lab community and adding diversity of thought.

[10:02] The importance of having a network in tech transfer. Attend conferences and meet with people.

[11:07] AUTM has a mentoring program that can help junior people. The FLC also has a pilot mentoring program.

[11:59] What separates a good leader from an average leader?

[13:44] Specialized recruiters know the backstory of candidates.

[15:50] There's a need for more people in tech transfer. 

[16:31] We talk about incorporating AI into the process. It's a work in progress.

[18:39] Get involved in the FLC. Use the app and meet people. Network and reach across the aisle. Volunteer and get on committees.

Resources: 

Gardner Innovation Search Partners

Glen Gardner - LinkedIn

FLC Learning Center

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