Engage prospective SLN members to assess their backgrounds, interests, and availability for advisory, mentoring, or operational roles with startup companies.
In collaboration with OEC staff and other sources, identify and facilitate opportunities for SLN member engagement with startups.
Develop and implement frameworks to support effective SLN member participation (e.g., advisory, mentoring, or other roles), and oversee these engagements, including compensation review and approval.
Identify and select startup companies that would benefit from participation in the SLN Board of Advisors or Mentor in Residence programs.
Match SLN members to appropriate startup companies, including identifying candidates for Board of Advisors roles.
Facilitate direct engagement opportunities for SLN members and others with startups.
Organize and conduct key SLN programs and events, including: The annual Board of Advisors recruitment meeting where startups present commercialization plans
Training sessions for participating startup CEOs
Regular (bi-monthly or quarterly) Board of Advisors sessions
Provide ongoing guidance and support to startup CEOs participating in SLN programs and other Penn State startups as appropriate.
Build and maintain a network of entrepreneurial alumni across the United States.
May serve as Penn State's Tech Scout, supporting high-potential NSF I-Corps teams and connecting them to NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnership (TIP) programs.
Required Qualifications:
Experience with technology commercialization, new venture creation, and funding.
Excellent planning and management skills.
Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.
Excellent finance and budgeting skills.
Requirements
Advanced technical degree or MBA.
Experience working in a university setting, preferably in a research commercialization role.
Experience in creating startup ventures, teaching entrepreneurship, or investing in startup companies.
Experience in launching early-stage technology start-ups.
Experience with investor pitches and due diligence processes.
Work Arrangement: This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, with three days per week based at our University Park campus office and two days working remotely. Some periodic travel within the United States will be required.
Application Instructions: Candidates must submit a cover letter and a resume/CV for consideration.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Technology Commercialization Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Master's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
If filled as Technology Commercialization Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or t
Benefits
Remote work options
Additional Information
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State's Office of the Senior Vice President for Research directs efforts to translate the intellectual capital of the University into the marketplace as part of the University's economic development and land-grant missions.
Under the direction of the Director, Research Startups, we are seeking an Assistant Director , focused on providing guidance and support to existing and prospective startup companies based on Penn State University intellectual property. This position rests in the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization.
This role works closely with the other members of OEC staff to provide entrepreneurship education, talent and mentor matching, and commercialization services leading to successful commercialization of university technologies.
The primary activities involve engaging and managing business advisors to help scientists progress their technology through the various stages of commercialization as part of the Startup Leadership Network (SLN).
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