Careers in Tech Transfer

NIH has led the nation in technology transfer, resulting in many lifesavings drugs, vaccines, and medical devices. Technology transfer at the NIH is a process which transfers medical knowledge from NIH laboratories to other organizations for the purpose of developing that knowledge into medical products to enhance the public health. The following list contains active job openings within the various Technology Transfer Offices at NIH.


Current Listings

NIH Office of Science Policy

NHLBI Technology Transfer Fellowship

NIAID Technology Transfer Fellowship

NIAID Technology Transfer and Intellectual Properrty Office - Business Development Specialist

Are you interested in making an impact on the improvement of global health? Are you interested in working in a dynamic organization that values its employees and offers work-life flexibility?

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the largest Institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), seeks highly qualified and motivated candidates to fill key positions in its Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Office (TTIPO). If you are interested in transferring inventions from the lab to the marketplace that benefit both domestic and global public health, consider joining TTIPO!


TTIPO advances the development and commercialization of biomedical inventions from NIAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) research labs and provides a return on taxpayer-funded research investment. TTIPO also manages NIAID and CDC intellectual property assets assigned to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Additionally, TTIPO negotiates license agreements, collaborative research agreements, conditional gifts, and material transfer agreements. See more information about TTIPO.


The business development specialist positions use a unique combination of scientific, business development, marketing, and communication skills to assess the commercial potential of biomedical inventions, seek and promote partnerships to advance the development and commercialization of intellectual assets, and communicate NIAID technology transfer successes.  Work closely with scientists, technology transfer and patent specialists, business executives, and partners in biotech, pharma, and diagnostics companies; NIH Office of Technology Transfer; CDC Technology Transfer Office; and others as needed.

These positions are eligible for remote work and will be posted on USAJobs.gov soon.

Qualifications
Required
•  U.S. citizen 
•    Bachelor’s or graduate/higher-level degree in an eligible scientific field (including life and medical sciences and chemistry)

Preferred
•    Master’s degree or Ph.D. in an eligible scientific field is preferred; juris doctor or master’s in business administration with an underlying bachelor’s or master’s degree in an eligible scientific field 
•    Prior experience working in technology transfer
•    Strong written and oral communication skills and experience in conducting negotiations
•    Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams

TTIPO is located at 5601 Fishers Lane in Rockville, Maryland. TTIPO recognizes the complexity and stresses of life in the 21st century (especially in the Washington, DC metropolitan area) and offers workplace flexibilities, including flexible work hours, telework, and remote work.

For more information or questions about these positions, email NIAIDInnovation@mail.nih.gov. We look forward to speaking with you.

Visit NIAID Careers for more information about working in NIAID’s dynamic atmosphere!

HHS, NIH, and NIAID are equal opportunity employers dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.


Fellowship Opportunities

NHLBI Technology Transfer Fellowship

The NHLBI Office of Technology Transfer And Development (OTTAD) is seeking qualified candidates in the fast-growing field of technology transfer.  OTTAD is responsible for managing all aspects of technology transfer for the NHLBI, and have made arrangements with six other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) to manage their work as well.  Primarily, the office arranges agreements to authorize sharing research materials and/or confidential data, to enable collaborations with third parties, and to license inventions made by scientists in  the NHLBI and its Client ICs.  OTTAD also oversees a portfolio of patent applications and patents, working with contract law firms who manage the application processes.  The Technology Transfer Fellowship (TTF) is a time-limited position for a person with a strong background in science interested in gaining hands-on experience in technology transfer in a government setting. 

Responsibilities of a Technology Transfer Fellow (all with close supervision):

  • Drafting and negotiating Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), Confidential Disclosure Agreements (CDAs), Research Collaboration Agreements (RCAs), Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), and, opportunity presenting, other types from an assortment of less frequent agreements.
  • Drafting, negotiating, and coordinating review of Cooperative Research And Development Agreements (CRADAs).
  • Evaluating inventions made by NIH scientists, managing patent prosecution through the contract law firms, serving as a liaison for the inventors, and addressing assorted intellectual-property issues for the benefit of the ICs.
  • Developing abstracts of inventions and other marketing materials to seek licensees and collaborators.
  • Negotiating licenses to patent properties and/or unique research resources to the private sector, either for internal uses or for development and commercialization of new products.
  • As available: optionally attending conferences (travel may be required to do so) and relevant training.
  • Other office duties related to the above.

Fellows are not assured opportunities to engage in all activities above, the range depends on what matters arise.

Fellowships are for one (1) year, renewable yearly (five (5) years maximum) based on funding.  Stipends are preset to the education level and number of years of directly applicable experience, they are paid monthly in arrears, and they may receive annual cost-of-living increases (based on Congressional funding).  Health benefits are provided.  The duty station is on the NIH main campus in Bethesda, but Fellows will be eligible for telework once trained to work independently.  DHHS/NIH/NHLBI/OTTAD is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Minimum Requirements:

To perform fully, incumbents of the full-time position on which the fellowship is based need an advanced degree in biomedical sciences (e.g., M.S., Ph.D., or M.D), or equivalent scientific training and prior tech-transfer experience.  Other degrees, particularly a J.D. and M.B.A., are highly advantageous but not required.  Each TTF likewise must have a science background (a B.S. or equivalent experience), plus some additional relevant (biomedical or legal)  graduate-level training, however, no specific degree is essential for eligibility, and TTFs will get additional training once on board.

In addition, eligibility requires that a TTF (as candidate or up for renewal) must:

  • Have earned an academic degree within the last eight (8) years.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card) who is eligible for citizenship within four (4) years.
  • Have skills in writing and speaking in a business context, including fluency in the English language.
  • Be  able to use Microsoft Office® (specifically Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and data-entry skills.

How to Apply:

Prepare an application package of: (1) a description of why you are interested, (2) a resume or CV, (3) your most recent academic transcript showing the degree, and (4) at least three professional references who have seen your recent work.  Send it to the address below, to the attention of Mr. Mario Carranza. Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis and will be retained for up to twelve (12) months; if a TTF slot opens in that time, qualified candidates will be contacted.

NHLBI Office of Technology Transfer and Development, 31 Center Drive, Suite 4A29, Bethesda, MD 20892-2479

Phone: 301-402-5579

Email: NHLBI_TechTransfer@mail.nih.gov 

 

NIAID Technology Transfer Fellowship Program

NIAID offers a technology transfer fellowship program to provide opportunities to qualified candidates in the exciting and expanding career field known as technology transfer. The program enables individuals to complement their science, business, and/or legal background with experience in technology transfer. 

Candidates must have received a master's or doctoral degree in the relevant fields within five years of the appointment start date and must be U.S. citizens.  

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, please visit the NIAID Technology Transfer Fellowship Program page.

 

NCI TTC Fellowship Program

The mission of the DHHS/NIH/NCI Technology Transfer Center (TTC) is to facilitate partnerships between external organizations and the research laboratories of the NCI and nine other NIH institutes and centers. The TTC has fellowship opportunities available to qualified candidates in the fast-growing field of technology transfer. The fellowships provide an opportunity to apply a science, legal or business background to a career in technology transfer, and create a new competency. The fellowship can prepare you for technology transfer positions within academia, industry, or the federal government.  

Minimum Requirements

  • An advanced degree in the sciences, law, business, economics, or public health.  All candidates must have a background in the sciences;
  • Have received most current degree within the last 8 years;
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident (must hold green card) eligible for citizenship within 4 years;
  • Excellent writing and speaking skills.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, please visit the NCI TTC Fellowship Program page

 

 

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