Tech Comm Fellow

The Technology Commercialization Fellow position is part of the Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) office at the University of Minnesota.

Tech Comm offers a unique opportunity for those with an advanced degree interested in technology commercialization, intellectual property, and business development to gain valuable experience in technology transfer, marketing, and licensing. The Technology Commercialization Fellow will work closely with Technology Portfolio Managers, Technology Licensing Officers, Venture Center, and the Corporate Research Partnerships team to evaluate, market, and license technologies as well as facilitate corporate research partnerships. The person in this position will gain experience in all aspects of technology transfer. The position will provide tuition benefits and the flexibility to pursue an MBA, if of interest, while working full-time.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Invention Evaluation

• Meet with inventors to discuss their research and potential inventions
• Assess the protectability and commercial potential of new inventions
• Assist in developing & presenting recommendations for IP protection decisions

Marketing

• Maintain marketing and licensing website.
• Produce content for the marketing and licensing website.
• Respond to inquiries from licensees and potential licensees in a timely manner.
• Facilitate technology marketing via third-party platforms.
• Promote available technologies to potential licensees.
• Work with Licensing Officers to develop and execute marketing campaigns. Refine the active marketing process and implement innovative marketing approaches.
• Collect "Voice of Customer" feedback on specific technologies.

Licensing

• Draft and manage "click and sign" (express) licenses.
• Assist with the execution and management of licenses or other related agreements.
• Gather market intelligence (e.g. market size, competition, regulatory requirements) and develop the business case for select technologies.

Corporate Research Partnerships

• Identify faculty, researchers, technologies and startups that align with company interests.
• Assist with the development of workshops, information guides and other resources (e.g. website) for researchers.
• Facilitate company-researcher meetings.

Other Duties as Assigned
Similar to others in the Licensing, Strategy, and Venture groups, the Technology Commercialization Fellow may be requested or volunteer to be involved in other projects or temporary assignments. Examples include but are not limited to:

• Participate in technology project teams and support of technology commercialization programs (e.g. MnBridge gap funding)
• Benchmarking activities
• Attendance at trade shows and conferences
• Documentation of processes, best practices, and standard operating procedures
• Present at entrepreneurial seminars for faculty and graduate students.

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and Tech Comm endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position has been designated as eligible for flexible work profile 3.

Profile 3, Mostly Remote - is expected to typically work in the office/lab 1-2 days per week. Working remotely at least 3 days per week. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location. This position has the flexibility to work up to four days remotely with one day in the office per week after the training period. You may also be required to attend on-site meetings and events.

Tech Comm management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate or professional degree (MS, PhD, DDS, DVM, MD, JD or equivalent)
• BS degree in life sciences, physical sciences, engineering or technology
• Understanding of the academic research environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated teamwork, collaboration, and partnering skills
• Demonstrated experience explaining technical topics to a lay person and/or audience
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously work on multiple projects

The Technology Commercialization (Tech Comm) office at the University of Minnesota helps University research move beyond the lab and into the marketplace.

Our mission includes:

• Protection of University Intellectual Property
• Connecting researchers with companies
• Licensing technology for development of new products and services that benefit public good
• Fostering economic growth
• Generating revenue that supports the University's research and education goals
  

Visit our website to learn more!

Pay Range: $65,000 - $73,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).