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.

About the Program

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Technology Transfer Fellowship Program in the Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Office (TTIPO) provides an opportunity to learn about the policies and laws that drive technology transfer at NIH and develop the skills for a career in technology transfer. TTIPO has primary responsibility for the technology transfer function of NIAID. This includes negotiating agreements to enable NIAID access to research resources (e.g., through material or information exchange and collaboration), protecting the government's rights in new inventions through patenting, and negotiating licenses to advance development and commercialization of NIAID discoveries.  Currently, NIAID is also providing patenting and licensing service to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Under the guidance of a mentor, NIAID Technology Transfer Fellows will be trained in activities such as:

  • Negotiating Confidential Disclosure Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Clinical Trial Agreements, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and other technology transfer agreements for NIAID
  • Reviewing new inventions reported by NIAID or CDC scientists for potential patenting or licensing
  • Analyzing a NIAID or CDC patent portfolio and making recommendations on portfolio management
  • Reviewing licenses to NIAID or CDC patents or proprietary materials and negotiating license terms in partnership with a federal employee
  • Analyzing NIAID or CDC patent portfolios to identify marketing opportunities and strategies
  • Other activities related to technology transfer and intellectual property

This program, which is administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

The initial appointment is for one year, but the appointment may be renewed up to a total of three years. The appointment is eligible for remote participation. Applicants from all over the USA are encouraged to apply.

Stipend amount for 1st year participants will range from $57,118 to $70,674 depending on the location of the participant and is non-negotiable. Stipends are reported to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as fellowship awards however, no federal income taxes will be withheld. Stipends are paid monthly.

Health insurance premiums are covered for individuals or families, as appropriate. An annual travel and training allowance is established for each participant.

Candidate Requirements

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.

To Apply

Applications must be submitted to ORISE directly through Technology Transfer Fellowship Program Opportunity. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Send questions to NIAIDInnovation@mail.nih.gov.

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