Graduate Student Internships

Each year, the University of Virginia Patent Foundation employs paid graduate student interns interested in developing skills in the areas of intellectual property protection and technology transfer through its competitive graduate student internship program. To date, nearly 100 students have interned with the Patent Foundation through this program, many of whom have gone on to be successful in business, industry, government, advocacy, the legal profession and academia.

Requirements

Over the course of one year, interns commit four to six hours per week working closely with Patent Foundation licensing professionals to evaluate, protect and license U.Va. technologies. This time commitment should not conflict with any graduate student obligations and commitments. Applicants must be University of Virginia graduate students and must have completed all formal coursework required for their degree.

Position Description

Patent Foundation interns work with licensing professionals to help assess the patentability and marketability of inventions developed across Grounds by searching existing patents and literature and by conducting market analyses. Interns also help identify marketing opportunities and write non-confidential summaries to communicate the features and benefits of new technologies to potential corporate partners. They are also often invited to sit in on meetings and negotiations and take advantage of additional professional development opportunities.

Inquiries

For more information or to apply, please contact Stephanie A. Miller, Ph.D., at or 434.982.1608. The University of Virginia Patent Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer.