Technology Commercialization Specialist (Intermediate or Advanced Professional)

Penn State University

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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 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.
• Master's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience (for Advanced Professional); or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• 1+ years of relevant experience (for Intermediate Professional); or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Experience navigating translational research challenges and assisting research teams with implementation planning, industry engagement, and commercialization readiness.
• Experience advising on technology development for potential commercial outlets.
• Exposure to intellectual property or patenting processes.
• Involvement in grant or funding proposal preparation.
• Coordination of interdisciplinary research or innovation projects.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees
• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees