OHSU Technology Transfer & Business Development interns provide a valuable service by assisting with technology development and the transition of technology from laboratory to market for the benefit of the public. In return, interns gain valuable knowledge and skills that can be applied in a wide range of professions. Past interns have gone on to pursue careers in technology transfer, patent law, and startup development.
To qualify for a summer TTBD internship, candidates must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a life science, a physical science, and/or engineering
- Be pursuing or have received a graduate-level degree in science, medicine, engineering, business, or law
- Have an interest in intellectual property, technology transfer, and/or business development as a career goal
- Be able to commit to volunteering 20 to 25 hours per week for the entirety of the summer 2015 term (June 22 – Aug. 28); volunteers need to be present for the entirety of the 10-week program
Program structure
- TTBD has openings for unpaid internships twice each year. Internships during the academic school year start at the beginning of fall term and span approximately 34 weeks. During this period, interns are expected to volunteer eight to 10 hours per week in the TTBD office, with up to eight weeks off. In the summer, TTBD offers an accelerated internship program that spans 10 weeks and requires interns to volunteer 20 to 25 hours every week.
- The program has three tracks: technology transfer, business development, and patent. TTBD interns will be generally exposed to all three areas, but will focus on a single track.
- Regardless of the track, each internship begins with an instruction phase that covers essential topics related to technology transfer, business development, and intellectual property. Interns also receive training on using the tools and systems that they will utilize during the subsequent project phase.
- During the project phase, interns are assigned a project (or multiple projects) and work closely with a mentor from the TTBD staff until completion. Internships conclude with interns presenting their project(s) to TTBD staff and other stakeholders.
How to apply
To apply, please submit an email to techmgmt@ohsu.edu by May 1, with the following attachments:
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Cover letter that states the applicant’s preferred internship track, the applicant’s career aspirations, and what the applicant hopes to achieve by participating in the internship program
- Letter of recommendation from a supervisor or graduate mentor
- Permission letter from the applicant’s advisor and program director to participate in TTBD’s internship program, if applicant is from OHSU
If you have any questions about the TTBD internship program, please contact Nicole Garrison.
