Technology Scout Lead - OEC

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (OEC) at Penn State University seeks an early-career scientist or engineer to serve as Technology Scout Lead for the NSF Mid-Atlantic I-Corps Hub. This full-time role sits at the intersection of research, commercialization, and federal innovation policy. The Technology Scout Lead identifies commercially promising technologies across the Hub's 12 university partners and regional ecosystem and advances them toward NSF TIP translational funding programs through a structured, nationally coordinated case-based workflow. This position is funded for 6 months; continuation past 6 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

Requirements

• Ability to evaluate technical concepts across diverse STEM domains for commercialization potential
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated project management and organizational ability
• Collaborative and self-directed work style
• Master's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in a STEM field
• Experience in technology transfer, research commercialization, or innovation ecosystems
• Familiarity with NSF I-Corps, SBIR/STTR, or other TIP programs
• Prior NSF I-Corps participation
• Knowledge of the Mid-Atlantic regional research landscape

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a technology pipeline by establishing sourcing channels across 12 Mid-Atlantic Hub universities and the regional ecosystem, identifying early-stage technologies with commercialization potential.
• Execute the national six-stage workflow — Identify → Triage → Path Forward → Connect → Monitor → Outcome — for each active Technology Scouting Case with full documentation.
• Map and broker pathways to NSF TIP programs (SBIR/STTR, POSE, ART, TTP) and complementary federal, state, industry, and private funding opportunities.
• Coordinate nationally by participating in monthly NIN webinars, Hub working sessions, and direct engagement with NSF TIP Program Directors.
• Track and report outcomes, maintaining case records in the national tracking system and submitting quarterly and final reports to Penn State and Hub leadership.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level