Technology Commercialization Fellow - Spring 2026

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $25 / hour

ERDCWERX, in partnership with Jackson State University (JSU), is pleased to offer a Technology Commercialization Fellowship Program. This opportunity is hosted by ERDCWERX and JSUs Technology Transfer Office at the Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCITy) in Vicksburg, MS. Recent graduates (or seniors set to graduate by May 2026) from Mississippi Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are encouraged to apply.

Participants of this compensated program will gain insights into the fast-growing field of technology transfer and how patented innovations can be introduced to the marketplace. Benefits include an introduction to and direct participation in strategic planning and market development for STEM-based innovation. This interdisciplinary program will provide valuable mentorship and real-world exposure to how business and management skills apply to technology transfer processes that result in technology commercialization. Fellows will become acquainted with the mission and collaboration goals of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)and other federal entities.

Fellows will benefit from direct experience with the business, science, and legal aspects of technology transfer, which are valuable assets in todays job market. Fellows will gain exposure to methods in use by federal government, academia, and industry in the commercialization of innovative technologies critical for our nations military and economic strength. Topics include market analysis, research and promotion of innovative technologies, intellectual property protection and licensing practices, and developing business relationships.

This Fellowship is designed to identify and support exceptional talent and enhance their employment prospects by increasing their expertise and ability to contribute to STEM-related growth in the U.S. economy. The timeline for the position is January 20, 2026-April 16, 2026.

Benefits of Participation

• Enhance employability in tech transfer and related high-demand fields
• Strengthen and document skills gained through exposure to and increased familiarity with technology commercialization processes
• Exposure to the basics of technology commercialization and how non-STEM professions contribute significantly to the process
• Hands-on experience in the review and promotion of federal government patents for licensing and commercialization
• Introduction to professionals in the industry and establishment of mentor relationships
• Connection with organizations seeking to hire professionals with familiarity and confidence in the steps involved in technology commercialization
• Develop new competencies in science, business and legal disciplines
• Introduction to associations that support technology transfer
• ERDCWERX will link this fellowship activity to other national initiatives that support and strengthen the fellow experience.

Compensation

Program Activities

While working with ERDCWERX staff, Fellows will have the opportunity to :

Candidate Requirements

WHO SHOULD APPLY?Eligibility will be based on a clear showing that the applicant has training, education and experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry out the required duties.At a minimum, qualifying candidates for this program will be / have :

Consideration

Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons. DEFENSEWERX / ERDCWERX does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact DEFENSEWERX directly.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted consistent with the published project timetable and may be made using this submission form.

Application Content Required :

Program Partners

Jackson State University(JSU) is apublicHistorically Black College and University (HBCU)inJackson, Mississippi and is designated as Mississippis Urban University. It is one of the largestHBCUsin the United States and is primarily recognized forincorporating technology and cutting-edge research into every aspect of its curriculum. The Division of Research and Economic Development manages the technology transfer, licensing, and commercialization process at Jackson State University.

ERDCWERX is a growing innovation hub that serves the technology transfer and technology transition goals of its government partner, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Located in close proximity to ERDCs facilities in Vicksburg, Mississippi, ERDCWERX is a major tenant of the new Mississippi Center of Innovation and Technology (MCITy). DEFENSEWERX, the ERDCWERX parent organization, is a private not-for-profit organization with additional federal government partners including Special Operations Command, Air Force Research Labs and Air University, Army Cyber, Naval Post Graduate School, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ERDC is the premier research and development center for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. With seven research labs and multiple field offices, ERDC delivers innovative solutions that address the nations toughest challenges in military engineering, installations and operational environments, civil works, geospatial research and engineering, and engineered resilient systems.

Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons. DEFENSEWERX does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other nonmerit factor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact DEFENSEWERX directly.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the essential job required, management reserves the rights to modify, add, or remove duties from jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.