web analytics

Polsky Science and Technology Associates

The Polsky Science and Technology Associates Program is an opportunity for current University of Chicago PhD students to work with the Polsky Center’s technology and business development teams.

Associates will participate in many aspects of the technology commercialization process, with a focus on screening new invention disclosures for potential intellectual property (IP) protection and analyzing the commercial landscape.

This is an opportunity to gain valuable technology management experience from a scientific, legal, and business perspective while learning more about some of the University’s newest and most exciting technologies.

This position will support managers in the IP assessment, marketing, and licensing of University technologies. This may include conducting patentability review of new technologies, identifying potential industry partners, and developing marketing materials.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Application Deadline
The application deadline has passed.

Application and Eligibility

Polsky Science and Technology Associates will work side-by-side with Polsky team members. Associates are committed to dedicating 10 hours per week, for this year-long opportunity with a salary of $19 per hour.

Responsibilities include:

  • Perform literature and related art searches for newly discovered technologies
  • Perform preliminary market and industry analysis for the applications of new technologies
  • Conduct thorough market research of emerging technologies, including market potential, size, competition, and trends
  • Develop and present technology screening reports that include suggestions on protection and commercialization strategy based on art and market assessment
  • Work with managers to develop marketing materials to attract licensees or commercial partners, and generate licensing leads for technologies
  • Create lists of potential licensees and their contact information
  • Perform other related work as needed

Minimum Qualification

  • Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in biological or physical sciences fields and enrollment in a PhD program

Other Qualifications:

  • PhD candidate who has passed the qualifying exam
  • Obtain approval from PhD advisor and department to work in this position

Preferred Competencies

  • Competent skills in using Microsoft suite
  • Excellent analytical and computational skills
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communications
  • Work independently with a high degree of initiative
  • Work effectively in a hybrid environment and within a team
  • Maintain confidentiality