Fellows Program

Fellows work part-time to assist Tech Transfer licensing specialists to assess the technical and market potential of new U-M inventions.

Typical projects include:

• Scientific, market, prior art, and patent research and analysis
• Assessing commercial viability of new inventions
• Categorizing inventions into application specific or industry segments
• Technology marketing abstract composition
• Identifying potential licensees or investors

Eligibility and Qualifications

• You must be a current U-M Graduate Student Assistant or Postdoctoral Fellow. Appointment to the Fellows Program is concurrent with full-time status as U-M graduate student or postdoctoral fellow for the full duration of the Fellows Program.
• You must have permission from your thesis adviser to participate in the Fellows Program if you are a graduate student.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or have CPT/OPT clearance with your visa to participate in the Program. You are responsible for facilitating any necessary CPT/OPT steps prior to the Program.
• You must be able to commit ten (10) hours per week.
• You are expected to stay in the Fellows Program for at least 12 months.

Expectations
Fellows must attend a 1/2 day orientation and training session in person and commit to 12 months in the Program following their training. Fellows are required to have access to a networked computer, as work is done remotely; access to databases and other resources will be provided. Fellows are expected to complete their assignments within one week of receiving them; hours vary but are limited to no more than ten hours per week. Fellows are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement with the University of Michigan and maintain absolute confidentiality. Pay is $15-17/hour depending on background and experience.

Application
Hiring phases will be publicized when openings are available, usually one or two times a year. Applicants may submit a cover letter and resume in pdf format via e-mail to Janani Ramaswamy at any time to be on the distribution list for notification of a hiring phase. Applicants will be notified by e-mail if they are invited to submit writing samples and interview.