New

Technology Commercialization Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 10, 2026
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Technology Commercialization Specialist (Intermediate 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. 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. Key Responsibilities include: Project Advancement & Translational Readiness 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. Faculty Capacity Building & Industry Skills Development 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. Industry Exploration & Opportunity Intelligence 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. Qualifications 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 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. Experience navigating translational research challenges and assisting research teams with implementation planning, industry engagement, and commercialization readiness is highly desirable. Additional strengths include experience advising on technology development for potential commercial outlets, exposure to intellectual property or patenting processes, involvement in grant or funding proposal preparation, and coordination of interdisciplinary research or innovation projects. Work Arrangements: This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Master's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None 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 take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines