Proof-of-Concept Program Manager (Technology Licensing Officer 4)
The Office of Technology Management (OTM) within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking qualified applicants for a Proof-of-Concept Program Manager.
Responsibilities: The key duties of this position include the following:

• Industry outreach to identify unmet needs and wish lists of various companies; determine killer-experiments for promising projects based on feedback from potential licensees and investors.
• Develop a regular cycle of requests-for-proposals (RFPs) for the university proof-of-concept program and promote commercialization funding opportunities with faculty, research deans, and innovation team members across the university. In collaboration with the director of the Office of Technology Management, set criteria against which proposals are evaluated.
• Manage the project selection process, including the collection and assessment of proposals; and organize an evaluation committee comprised of industry experts and university staff with research commercialization expertise such as Technology Licensing Officers.
• Assist awardees with project management by regularly meeting to review project budgets and timelines, establish and continuously assess technology development activities, set industry-informed commercialization milestones, develop regulatory strategies (when appropriate), and tranche the release of funds as milestones are achieved. Assist in identifying issues or barriers to project completion and deploy solutions.
• Working with Technology Licensing Officers and the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization, identify prospective licensees or startup opportunities for funded projects; measure project performance and outcomes; and continuously assess the proof-of-concept program for areas of improvement. Support awardees as they explore additional funding opportunities from strategic corporate partners, private investors, and federal sources (e.g., SBIR/STTR).

This position will be located at the University Park Campus and will report to the Director of the Office of Technology Management which is responsible for the management of intellectual property developed at Penn State.
This is a limited-term appointment, funded through October 31, 2025 from the start date, subject to renewal upon the availability of funding thereafter.
The candidate should have excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; the ability to manage and coordinate multiple and diverse projects simultaneously through to completion; be highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a team environment; and have the ability to establish priorities.
Education and Experience: Typically requires a Master's degree or higher in a technical or business discipline and five to ten years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Application: To be considered for the position, candidates must apply online and upload application materials consisting of a resume and cover letter. Application review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts (75% discount for spouse and children), and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits for more detailed information.
Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Proof-of-Concept-Program-Manager-Technology-Licensing-Officer-4-_REQ_0000048312-1
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.
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