Technology Commercialization Specialist

University of Mississippi; Mississippi; On-site; USD 57,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Mississippi is seeking a knowledgeable professional to advance technology transfer and commercialization efforts. The role focuses on connecting federal labs, universities, and startups with market opportunities and defense-related applications.

Responsibilities include coordinating licensing processes, supporting SBIR/STTR activities, and fostering partnerships across the university, the Office of Technology Commercialization, and the Small Business Development Center to grow

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in business development and startup ecosystems.
• Ability to work across multiple organizations and sectors.

Responsibilities

• Support technology transfer and commercialization activities.
• Assist in identifying promising technologies and matchmaking with Mississippi small businesses.
• Coordinate with university and SBDC to facilitate licensing and IP considerations.
• Help organize workshops, outreach, and collaboration with federal labs and agencies.
• Assist in market research, pitch preparation, and funding opportunities.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Business development

Collaboration

Startup experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss —stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacyof academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant,inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, andstaff — can achieve their fullest potential.

Join the Ole Miss Family — Build Your Legacy Here!

Department:

Small Business Development Center

Job Summary:

The position focuses on providing business and commercializationassistance for technology-based companies. The incumbent relies onboth their business expertise in commercializing products andstrong written and verbal communication skills to coachingMississippi high-growth potential companies. The collaborative position, jointly hosted by Office of TechnologyCommercialization/ORED and the SBDC will play a pivotal role insupporting activities to facilitate the transition of innovatetechnologies from federal labs, universities, and researchinstitutions into the commercial marketplace and introducing noveltechnologies into the Department of Defense and other governmentagencies. This position aims to provide support to Mississippismall businesses and startups harnessing the potential of advancedresearch and development efforts and assisting in activities toconnect them with federal agencies, innovation hubs, and otherentities within the innovation ecosystem.

Job Description:

1. Technology Transfer and Commercialization:

• Support activities to assist in identifying promisingtechnologies developed in federal labs, universities, and researchinstitutions that have commercialization and defense marketpotential. Assist in activities that will enable matchmakingbetween these technologies and the Mississippi small businesscommunity.
• Assist activities to enable Mississippi small businesses andstartups in collaboration with University tech transfer office andMississippi SBDC in navigating the technology transfer process,including licensing agreements and intellectual propertyconsiderations.
• Support activities to provide input and assist in utilizing theUniversity and Mississippi SBDC’s network to help small businessesdevelop strategies for adapting and refining technologies to meetcommercial and defense market needs and demands.
• Support activities to work with the University Office ofTechnology Commercialization (OTC) and SBDC consultants to bringawareness of challenges and open technology pitch events to supportthe DOD ecosystem, while advancing the Mississippi small businesstechnology ecosystem.
• Support SBDC consultants in increasing the number ofMississippi small businesses and University of Mississippiresearchers receiving SBIR/STTR grants. (Essential)

2. Business Development and Support:

• Assist to Facilitate guidance, feedback, and data relevant tospecific technology through co-consulting as required to supportSBDC consultants on business plan development, market entrystrategies, and funding options.
• Assist activities to help businesses in preparing pitches,proposals, and presentations for potential investors, partners, andcustomers through co-consulting activities with APEX and SBDCconsultants. - (Essential)

3. Federal Lab Introductions and Collaboration:

• Assist in activities to establish and nurture relationshipswith federal laboratories and research centers to facilitatetechnology introductions and collaborations.
• Support activities to organize workshops, seminars, andnetworking events to connect entrepreneurs with federal researchersand experts in collaboration with regional consultants andDWX.
• Support activities to help Identify funding opportunities andgrants available for joint projects between businesses, federallabs, Federal agencies and SBDC. - (Essential)

4. Innovation Hub and University Engagement:

• Assist activities to leverage the Mississippi EntrepreneurialInnovation network to create a supportive ecosystem fortechnology-driven startups.
• Assist activities that enhance Collaboration with universitiesto leverage cutting-edge research for commercial applications andfoster university-industry collaboration. - (Essential)

5. Federal Agency Liaison:

• Assist supporting activities between small businesses andfederal agencies interested in technology adoption andinnovation.
• Collaborate and stay updated on agency-specific inn

6. Market Research and Analysis:

• Assist in activities to utilize the Mississippi SBDC RISECenter services, interns, and other entities to conduct marketresearch to identify market trends, customer needs, and potentialcompetitors for technologies in consideration.
• Assist in activities to analyze commercial viability andpotential return on investment for technology commercializationprojects. - (Essential)

7. Networking and Outreach:

• Engage in networking activities to expand the specialist's owncontacts and to increase visibility of the program.
• Assist in supporting the collaborative initiative at industryevents, conferences, and workshops.
• Assist to Increase the awareness of technology innovationfocused organizations to support the increased participation in thedefense industrial base.
• Assist in activities to support the expansion, collaborationand accuracy of the Mississippi Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. -(Essential)

Job Responsibilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for buildingrelationships and facilitating collaborations.
• Business acumen and understanding of startup dynamics andchallenges.
• Experience in obtaining private investment such as Angelfunding or Venture Capital.
• Direct experience with I Corps or equivalent Lean Startupprogramming such as the Lean LaunchPad or demonstrated experiencein implementing these methods.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple organizationsand sectors. Self-motivated, proactive, and adaptable to evolvingsituations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree and 2 years' experience or Bachelor's and 4 years'experience

Substitution Statement:

An equivalent combination of relatedexperience and education may be considered for this role.Substitutions of the required experience or education will beassessed on a 1:1 substitution basis.

Education Qualifications:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Relevant experience| 3 Years| Required

Compensation:

$56,763.20 - $85,134.40

Interview Requirement:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for aninterview must notify the Department of EqualOpportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonableaccommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in anyemployment practice, education program, or education activity toall qualified persons. The University complies with all applicablelaws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfullydiscriminate against any employee or applicant for employment basedupon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation,gender identity or expression, religion, national origin,ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protectedveteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protectedstatus.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safecampus community. UM conducts background investigations forapplicants being considered for employment. Backgroundinvestigations include a criminal history record check, and whenappropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving historycheck.