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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Technology Commercialization Specialist (Intermediate Professional) in the Office for Innovation in the Eberly College of Science supports early-stage translational research projects by helping faculty postdocs and students navigate the pathway from research concepts toward externally aligned fundable opportunities. The role focuses on upstream implementation planning early market and industry exploration and preparation for engagement with technology transfer corporate partners and sponsored research programs. Working closely with research teams the successful candidate will provide hands-on guidance analysis and project coordination to strengthen translational readiness and improve the quality of downstream handoffs.

Key Responsibilities include:

Project Advancement & Translational Readiness

• Provide direct coaching to faculty postdocs and students to advance translational pathways improve implementation plans and align project direction with market and societal needs.
• Develop project-level translational approaches aligned with potential commercial outcomes including startup pathways federal translational funding (e.g. NSF NIH) and corporate partnership opportunities.
• Conduct targeted market technology landscape and stakeholder analyses to inform research direction.
• Track project progress and maturity using College-defined metrics and systems.
• Identify bottlenecks and coordinate solutions across internal units and external partners.

Faculty Capacity Building & Industry Skills Development

• Deliver training and individualized support to enhance researcher capability in industry-facing engagement communication and partnership formation.
• Guide researchers in early articulation of market utility application scenarios and value proposition development.
• Support high-quality invention disclosures and early commercialization planning.
• Help embed translational thinking into research design strengthening future funding competitiveness.

Industry Exploration & Opportunity Intelligence

• Support early exploratory engagement with industry scientists and technical stakeholders to gather insights that inform research direction and improve translational fit.
• Translate external feedback into clear guidance for faculty teams helping them avoid low-value development paths and align with real application needs.
• Prepare teams for future external engagement by clarifying use-cases value propositions and industry expectations well before formal discussions occur.
• Document early indications of industry interest and support smooth handoff of mature opportunities to Corporate Engagement OTM or Sponsored Programs.
• Strengthen downstream partnership and licensing outcomes by embedding early market awareness into project development.

Qualifications

• Professional experience in technology partnerships R&D engagement commercialization or translational programs.
• Proven ability to guide early-stage technologies toward external alignment and funding.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with academic and industry partners.

Experience

Experience supporting the advancement of early-stage technologies from concept toward commercial or societal impact including project coordination market or technology analysis and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Experience navigating translational research challenges and assisting research teams with implementation planning industry engagement and commercialization readiness is highly desirable. Additional strengths include experience advising on technology development for potential commercial outlets exposure to intellectual property or patenting processes involvement in grant or funding proposal preparation and coordination of interdisciplinary research or innovation projects.

Work Arrangements: This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone.

MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn States salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional addition to comprehensive medical dental and vision coverage employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988 Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security such as those concerning alcohol and drug use crime prevention the reporting of crimes sexual assault and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability please contact .

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