Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Technology Scout Lead for the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization. The role involves identifying promising early-stage technologies across a 12-university Mid-Atlantic Hub and advancing them through a structured national workflow toward NSF translational funding programs, while coordinating with multiple stakeholders and managing detailed documentation and reports.

Highlights

Build and manage a technology pipeline by establishing sourcing channels across 12 Mid-Atlantic Hub universities and the regional ecosystem.
Execute a national six-stage workflow (Identify, Triage, Path Forward, Connect, Monitor, Outcome) for technology scouting cases.
Map and broker pathways to NSF TIP programs such as SBIR/STTR, POSE, ART, and TTP, and other funding opportunities.
Coordinate nationally through monthly NIN webinars, Hub working sessions, and direct engagement with NSF TIP Program Directors.
Track and report outcomes by maintaining case records in a national tracking system and submitting quarterly and final reports to university leadership.
Requires ability to evaluate technical concepts across diverse STEM domains for commercialization potential.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, project management and organizational ability, and a collaborative self-directed work style are required.
Preferred qualifications include a PhD in a STEM field, experience in technology transfer or research commercialization, familiarity or participation with NSF I-Corps or other TIP programs, and knowledge of the Mid-Atlantic regional research landscape.
Minimum education requirement is a Master's Degree with 3+ years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Salary range: $76,700 to $115,100, plus a comprehensive benefits package including a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Technology Scout Lead - OEC Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This position is funded for 6 months; continuation past 6 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (OEC) at Penn State University seeks an early-career scientist or engineer to serve as Technology Scout Lead for the NSF Mid-Atlantic I-Corps Hub. This full-time role sits at the intersection of research, commercialization, and federal innovation policy.

The Technology Scout Lead identifies commercially promising technologies across the Hub's 12 university partners and regional ecosystem and advances them toward NSF TIP translational funding programs through a structured, nationally coordinated case-based workflow.

Key Responsibilities

Build and manage a technology pipeline by establishing sourcing channels across 12 Mid-Atlantic Hub universities and the regional ecosystem, identifying early-stage technologies with commercialization potential.
Execute the national six-stage workflow — Identify → Triage → Path Forward → Connect → Monitor → Outcome — for each active Technology Scouting Case with full documentation.
Map and broker pathways to NSF TIP programs (SBIR/STTR, POSE, ART, TTP) and complementary federal, state, industry, and private funding opportunities.
Coordinate nationally by participating in monthly NIN webinars, Hub working sessions, and direct engagement with NSF TIP Program Directors.
Track and report outcomes, maintaining case records in the national tracking system and submitting quarterly and final reports to Penn State and Hub leadership.

Required Qualifications

Ability to evaluate technical concepts across diverse STEM domains for commercialization potential
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated project management and organizational ability
Collaborative and self-directed work style

Preferred Qualifications

Doctoral degree (PhD) in a STEM field
Experience in technology transfer, research commercialization, or innovation ecosystems
Familiarity with NSF I-Corps, SBIR/STTR, or other TIP programs
Prior NSF I-Corps participation
Knowledge of the Mid-Atlantic regional research landscape

Application Materials: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume addressed to James Delattre, Associate Vice President, Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

acceptedRequired Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $115,100.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Hotlines

Original Job Description