Technology Commercialization Specialist

UT Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Technology Commercialization Specialist works under direct supervision to support the evaluation and commercialization of intellectual property arising from university research. This entry-level role performs defined assignments while learning technology transfer terminology, systems, agreements, and workflows. The specialist receives structured training and regular feedback and is accountable for accurate, timely completion of assigned work. Senior staff review substantive work and retain responsibility for portfolio strategy, substantive negotiations, and institutional commitments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, technology management, life sciences, economics, or a related field.
No prior professional experience is required. The position is designed for candidates with 0–2 years of relevant experience in commercialization, research, product development, business development, innovation, or technology transfer.
Relevant coursework, academic projects, internships, or student employment may demonstrate foundational skills.

Nice To Haves

Coursework, academic research, or project exposure related to scientific discovery, entrepreneurship, or technology commercialization.
An advanced degree is not required.

Responsibilities

Support senior commercialization staff in day-to-day communication with assigned faculty and research groups, including meeting preparation and follow-up.
Assist with invention disclosure intake, check submissions for completeness, and request missing information using established procedures.
Conduct guided scientific literature and market research; summarize potential applications, competing technologies, and preliminary commercial opportunities for senior review.
Collect information on funding, inventor affiliations, outside collaborators, and related agreements, and flag possible ownership, reporting, or revenue-sharing obligations for senior assessment.
Assist with commercialization plans by researching licensing, startup, and funding pathways and completing tasks assigned by the responsible senior staff member.
Prepare draft technology summaries, internal review materials, and presentations, and obtain appropriate review before external use.
Work with Business Development to identify potential licensees and company contacts, prepare approved outreach materials, and document responses.
Provide routine status updates and explain established processes using approved guidance; refer sensitive concerns or substantive strategy questions to senior staff.
Participate in licensing and collaboration discussions as assigned, document proposed terms and action items, and prepare follow-up materials for review.
Maintain accurate invention and opportunity records, track assigned tasks and deadlines, and promptly raise delays, missing information, or concerns with the supervisor.
Coordinate routine information requests and handoffs with IP/Operations, Finance, Compliance, Innovation Hub, and Business Development under established procedures.
Work with Finance and accounting staff to collect records needed to track license revenue, sponsored research funding, and related obligations; refer interpretation and allocation questions to responsible staff.
Support startup assistance and innovation or entrepreneurship events through assigned research, materials preparation, coordination, and follow-up.
Complete training, apply feedback, and take on additional defined assignments as proficiency is demonstrated and the supervisor authorizes.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
100% coverage for preventive healthcare with no copay
Paid Time Off, available day one
Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
Paid Parental Leave Benefit
Wellness programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
Paid holidays
On-site childcare