Commercialization Fellow

Interested in startups and commercialization? Want to put your expertise to work to help create social and economic impact?

The University of Maine is recruiting recent doctoral or master’s degree graduates for a one-year entrepreneurial program to accelerate the commercialization of innovations. The goal at the end of the program is to launch a startup or license the technology to a business partner. Fellows will receive coaching and mentoring to advance the business plan and technology milestones for the innovation. Fellows will develop and execute a funding strategy for the innovation, including writing grant and investment proposals. Fellows will be directly involved in technical development and business relationships. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded position is up to $60,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. External funding is available for one year. 

Complete Job Description

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.

Qualifications:
Required:

• Master’s degree in a relevant education or engineering discipline or in entrepreneurship.
• Be within three years of having completed degree.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies. 
• Ability to deliver presentations.
• An interest in commercialization and entrepreneurship with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Preferred:

• PhD in a relevant engineering discipline or entrepreneurship. 
• Past participation entrepreneurial or commercialization programs, especially I-Corps or MIRTA accelerator programs.
• Grant writing experience.

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on November 14, 2025.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Renee Kelly at [email protected].

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening. 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).