• OVPR

    The Office of the Vice President for Research facilitates collaborative research opportunities, streamlines related policies and procedures, and acts as a unified voice for U of I research.

  • UIC OTM

    The Office of Technology Management at Chicago is responsible for managing the intellectual property generated by research and educational activities at the University.

  • UIC Research Center

    Supplies a fully-equipped infrastructure and access to University resources, internship programs, world-class talent, and custom-designed business development services.

  • UI Research Park

    Provides an ideal environment for starting a high-growth technology venture, with wet-chemistry labs, office space, an array of shared equipment, server co-location facilities, and conference rooms.

  • IllinoisVENTURES

    IllinoisVENTURES is a seed and early-stage technology investment firm focused on research-derived companies in information technologies, physical sciences and life sciences, with a particular emphasis on those deriving from research conducted at the University of Illinois and other regional research institutions and federal laboratories.

Office of Technology Management, Urbana-Champaign

Commercialization Analyst Internship Program

UPDATE: The dates and times for the intern information sessions have been announced!

Tuesday, Jan. 22
Noon - 1 p.m.
Law School, Room A

Wednesday, Jan. 23
11:30 a.m. - 12:30
BIF, Room 3041

Wednesday Jan. 23
5 - 6 p.m.
Noyes, Room 161

Thursday Jan. 24
Noon - 1 p.m.
Roger Adams Lab, Room 117

 

The Office of Technology Management (OTM) Internship Program is a 12 month, paid internship that assists graduate students (JD, MBA, PhD, and MS) from the University of Illinois in developing an understanding of intellectual property law, market and industry analysis, and provides an introduction to licensing methods and strategies.

OTM Interns, or Commercialization Analysts, are primarily responsible for assisting in the evaluation of technologies developed within the University that ultimately help the University decide whether the University should invest resources to commercialize an invention. Commercialization Analysts also have the opportunity to get involved in various special projects that may include, but are not limited to, directing marketing efforts, drafting of non-disclosure or material transfer agreements, and  gaining exposure to licensing agreements and negotiations.

There are two tracks:

  • Commercialization Analyst (JD, MBA, MS, or PhD)
    • 1 year commitment
    • 2 week mandatory training workshop (May)
    • 35 hours/week in the Summer (May – Aug)
    • 10 hours/week in the Fall and Spring semesters
  • Commercialization Analyst Fellow (PhD only)
    • 1 year commitment
    • 2 week mandatory training workshop (May)
    • 12 hours/week in the Summer (May – Aug)
    • 10 hours/week in the Fall and Spring semesters (up to 5 hours of remote work may be allowed with experience)

Eligibility:

Commercialization Analyst (JD, MBA, MS, or PhD)

  • Current graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (JD, MBA, MS*, or PhD*) *Please note, OTM pay may or may not supplement your stipend, depending on your department
  • If a PhD student, completion of at least 3 years in the PhD program and preferable completion of qualifying/preliminary exam
  • If a MS/PhD student, written consent from faculty advisor (if applicable)
  • International students – If you do not have US citizenship or permanent residency you MUST contact ISSS (http://isss.illinois.edu/) to determine your eligibility to work while enrolled as a graduate student

Commercialization Analyst Fellow (PhD only)

  • Current doctoral graduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign *Please note, OTM pay may or may not supplement your stipend, depending on your department
  • Completion of at least 3 years in the PhD program and preferable completion of qualifying/preliminary exam
  • Written consent from faculty advisor
  • International students – If you do not have US citizenship or permanent residency you MUST contact ISSS (http://isss.illinois.edu/) to determine your eligibility to work while enrolled as a graduate student

Qualifications:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Interest in technology transfer
  • Ability to multitask efficiently and manage time independently
  • Science/technical background highly preferred
  • Prior experience in business or commercial environments preferred

Additional Program Details

Individuals accepted into the program will participate in an intensive 2 week training workshop that teaches the necessary information required to perform a technology evaluation. The workshop is taught by OTM employees and includes visiting speakers from around campus that are intimately involved in University technology commercialization. Throughout the year, interns will be given various opportunities to meet with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, patent attorneys, and industry members. During the summer term, there is at least one OTM sponsored trip to Chicago for such opportunities.

The OTM Commercialization Analyst Intern Program also offers various specialty positions that are tasked with targeted outreach and interaction with specific units on campus. Participating units include, but are not limited to, the Institute for Genomic Biology, The Beckman Institute and the College of Education. Applicants can express if they are interested in a specialized position.

Application Process

Applicants for the Commercialization Analyst Intern Program are required to submit a resume. If you a PhD/MS student, written consent from your PhD/MS advisor will be required along with your resume. A number of qualified individuals will be selected from the pool of resumes to perform a 30 min. case-study technology assessment where the candidate will be handed an Invention Disclosure as asked to provide an opinion on how the University should proceed with the technology.

OTM begins accepting applications in December 2012 for the 2013-2014 intern class. The 2013-2014 intern class begins May 13th, 2013.

For more information, please email otm@illinois.edu or call (217) 333-7862.

Where are they now?

The OTM Commercialization Analyst Internship Program has alumni working in various positions throughout the world including prestigious law firms, agriculture, biotech and engineering companies, and revered universities. Check back at a later date for more detailed information.

 

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