TLO FELLOWS PROGRAM

The Fellows Program at the MIT Technology Licensing Office (TLO) is a new MIT program that began in pilot phase in the Spring 2012 semester.  It offers a unique opportunity for MIT graduate students and post docs to gain valuable experience with university technology transfer and technology commercialization.  Fellows work closely with the TLO on a part-time basis, providing support for invention assessments and technology marketing.  The program is intended to enhance our understanding of the commercial potential of inventions and technologies, while providing Fellows with “real world” work experience and educational exposure to intellectual property and the business of science and technology development.
 

WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER?

Technology transfer is the movement of knowledge and discoveries to the general public. The transfer can happen in a variety of ways.  For our purposes, technology transfer refers to the formal licensing of technology invented at MIT to third parties, often commercial entities, who develop the technology into products and services to benefit the public.  Technology transfer is an inter-disciplinary field requiring expertise in law, business and technology.

WHAT WILL I DO AS A TLO FELLOW?

Fellows work under the supervision of the TLO Marketing Information Manager to assist in the technical and commercial evaluation of new inventions reported to the TLO in the life sciences, physical sciences / engineering, chemistry and computer science.  Typical assignments include:

·   Assessing commercial viability of new inventions

·   Scientific, market, prior art and patent research

·   Market and industry research and analysis

·   Categorizing inventions into application specific or industry segments

·   Technology marketing abstract composition

·   Identifying potential licensees or investors

Fellows may, from time to time, work on special projects under the supervision of TLO Licensing Officers. Fellows will also be invited to attend TLO-hosted events and provided opportunities to engage with TLO staff.
 

Fellows must attend a half day orientation and training session and commit to eight months in the program following their training.  Fellows are required to have access to a computer, work remotely and are provided access to databases and other resources to complete their assignments.  Fellows may opt to work on-site at the TLO as space permits.  Fellows are expected to complete their assignments within one week of receiving them.  Fellows are expected to sign a non-disclosure agreement with MIT and maintain absolute confidentiality.  Hours vary but are limited to no more than ten hours per week.  Pay is $25 per hour.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

Applicants must be a MIT graduate student in good academic standing or post-doc in targeted disciplines (e.g. life sciences, physical sciences / engineering, software, and potentially others).  M.B.A. students with an undergraduate or higher degree in a hard science or engineering are encouraged to apply.  Appointment to the Fellows program is concurrent with full time status as graduate student or a post doc for the full duration of the Fellows program.  

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?

Selection for this program will be based on a combination of factors, including:

·   Writing and communication skills

·   Scientific / technical background

·   Enthusiasm and willingness to take on new challenges

·   Interest in technology transfer

·   Commitment and availability for up to 10 hours per week (for a minimum of eight months)

·   Academic performance and/ or prior experience (if any) in business or in commercial environments

·   Professionalism as exhibited in your interview

HOW DO I APPLY?

UPDATE: Session I 2012 is now closed.  We are accepting applications for Session II only. 

Applications and instructions can be downloaded by following the link in the top left corner of this web page.  Applications are accepted by email, fax or mail on a rolling basis for admission to either Session I (starting in March) or Session II (starting in October).  Applicants will be notified by email as to whether they will be invited to interview with us.
 

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