Technology Commercialization Specialist (Intermediate or Advanced Professional)
Penn State University, Phila, PA, United States
Overview
The Technology Commercialization Specialist (Intermediate or Advanced 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. Reporting to the Director of the Office for Innovation, 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
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.
Application
Submit a cover letter and a resume highlighting your interests and qualifications for this position.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
If filled as Technology Commercialization Specialist – Advanced Professional, this position requires a Master’s Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). If filled as Technology Commercialization Specialist – Intermediate Professional, this position requires a Master’s Degree and 1+ year of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). No required certifications.
Background Checks/Clearances
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.
EEO Statement
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 814‑865‑1473.
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The Technology Commercialization Specialist (Intermediate or Advanced 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. Reporting to the Director of the Office for Innovation, 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
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.
Application
Submit a cover letter and a resume highlighting your interests and qualifications for this position.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
If filled as Technology Commercialization Specialist – Advanced Professional, this position requires a Master’s Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). If filled as Technology Commercialization Specialist – Intermediate Professional, this position requires a Master’s Degree and 1+ year of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). No required certifications.
Background Checks/Clearances
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.
EEO Statement
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 814‑865‑1473.
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