Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Technology Commercialization

The Technology Commercialization Specialist is responsible for supporting the advancement of early-stage innovations toward market readiness by managing technology development projects, facilitating partnerships, and guiding innovators through commercialization pathways; plays a critical role in bridging research, innovation, and industry collaboration to maximize the real-world impact of new technologies; brings a mix of project management experience, technical or scientific knowledge, and a strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, particularly in academic, nonprofit, or research-driven environments.

• Provide operational support and project coordination to teams developing technologies with commercial or societal potential
• Assist in developing roadmaps for technology readiness, including de-risking, prototyping, and scaling
• Coordinate meetings, resources, and documentation to keep projects on track and aligned with goals
• Support innovators in navigating internal systems (i.e., technology transfer, compliance) and accessing external expertise or resources
• Collaborate with the Office of Technology Transfer to pursue the appropriate intellectual property protection process required for commercialization
• Identify, engage, and manage relationships with internal and external partners across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors
• Serve as a point of contact for consortiums, advisory groups, or collaborative initiatives
• Plan and coordinate meetings, engagement events, and/or workshops to facilitate knowledge sharing and relationship-building
• Support internal and external communications, including drafting updates, managing web content, and developing promotional content, such as fact sheets, brochures, articles, newsletters, and social media
• Coordinate with communications teams to ensure visibility and alignment with institutional branding and messaging
• Maintain records, track deliverables, and support program reporting
• Identify and catalog innovation resources, such as labs, testbeds, mentors, or funding opportunities that support technology development
• Collaborate on strategies to expand access to tools and services that accelerate innovation
• Participate in professional networks and conferences to stay informed on best practices in commercialization, innovation management, and entrepreneurship
• Represent the program in collaborative forums, innovation communities, and stakeholder meetings

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00

• Branding
• Data management
• Data reporting
• Event planning
• Innovative thinking
• Market analysis
• Networking
• Operational planning
• Project Management
• Relationship Management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Technical acumen