Technology Commercialization Specialist

About the role

The Technology Commercialization Specialist supports the evaluation and commercialization of intellectual property arising from university research. Working under direct supervision, this entry-level role performs defined assignments while learning technology transfer terminology, systems, agreements and workflows. Structured training and regular feedback are provided, and the specialist is accountable for accurate, timely completion of assigned work. Senior staff review substantive work and retain responsibility for portfolio strategy, negotiations and institutional commitments.

Key responsibilities

• Support senior staff in communicating with assigned faculty and research groups, including meeting preparation and follow-up.
• Assist with invention disclosure intake, check submissions for completeness and request missing information.
• Conduct guided scientific literature and market research, summarizing potential applications, competing technologies and preliminary commercial opportunities.
• Collect information on funding, inventor affiliations, outside collaborators and related agreements, flagging possible ownership, reporting or revenue-sharing obligations.
• Research licensing, startup and funding pathways and assist with commercialization plans.
• Prepare draft technology summaries, internal review materials and presentations, with appropriate review before external use.
• Work with Business Development to identify potential licensees, prepare outreach materials and document responses.
• Maintain invention and opportunity records, track tasks and deadlines, and coordinate information requests with IP/Operations, Finance, Compliance, Innovation Hub and Business Development.
• Help collect records to track license revenue and sponsored research funding, and support startup assistance and innovation events.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, technology management, life sciences, economics or a related field.
• No prior professional experience required; the position suits candidates with 0-2 years of relevant experience in commercialization, research, product development, business development, innovation or technology transfer.
• Relevant coursework, academic projects, internships or student employment may show foundational skills.
• Preferred: coursework, academic research or project exposure related to scientific discovery, entrepreneurship or technology commercialization; an advanced degree is not required.

What we offer

• PPO medical plan available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage, with 100% coverage for preventive healthcare.
• Paid time off and paid parental leave benefit.
• Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• Tuition reimbursement and wellness programs.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer.