Position Function:
The Innovation Commercialization Fellow is a new position on our team to add capacity to support commercialization of research-derived IP. Stationed in Starkville, Mississippi, the Fellow will augment OTM’s technology transfer functions, with a focus on researchers and technologies in the Bagley College of Engineering.
Salary Grade: 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Mississippi State University’s Office of Technology Management (OTM) is responsible for getting our researchers’ world-class innovations out of the lab and into the marketplace, ensuring that research innovations and discoveries reach their full potential for public benefit. We work with internal stakeholders (faculty, staff, and students across all MSU departments, centers, and campuses) and external stakeholders (industry, state and federal agencies, DoD, etc.) to increase the impact of MSU research and stimulate economic development. OTM is housed within the MSU Office of Research and Economic Development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Traditional Tech Transfer
• Manage a portfolio of innovations/technologies; screening invention disclosures and assessing their commercial potential and patent potential
• Formulate patent strategies and coordinating with external patent counsel
• Negotiate and draft intellectual property agreements.
• Initiate and manage collaborative relationships with and between inventors, commercial partners, patent attorneys, and other OTM stakeholders.
• Faculty, staff and industry outreach and education about the Office of Technology Management and processes
The startup/spinout company
• Choose an MSU innovation/technology to evaluate for market fit with a startup/spinout company
• Participate in E-Center Venture Catalyst programming
• Complete the 3-week MSU I-Corps Site program
• Apply for and complete the 7-week national I-Corps program
• In conjunction with MSU researchers/inventors, prepare and submit proposals for follow-on commercialization funding such as SBIR/STTR, MS SMART Business Act proof of concept funding, etc.
• Complete other duties as requested
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, business, or technical field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including translation of technical documents & ability to produce brief technology marketing summaries. Must be comfortable addressing groups of 20 or more in a public setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on multiple projects with little supervision
• Exemplary soft skills
Other Key Requirements
• We will accept applications only from persons with indefinite employment authorization in the U.S. and will not sponsor for nonimmigrant or immigrant status for this position.
• Some travel required (< 30%)
Preferred Qualifications:
• Technical degree & strong interest/experience in leading-edge science and technologies
• Familiarity or interest in technology transfer and/or commercialization programs, including spin-out, patent licensing, cooperative agreements, entrepreneurial training, and private and/or public investment.
• Prior experience working in a technology transfer office is not required. However, candidates must possess a strong interest in early-stage technology commercialization and a willingness to learn
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicant must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
