STEM Fellowship Program — Fall 2022
Apply NLT 20 May 2022 5:00 PM CST
Overview: ERDCWERX is pleased to announce its inaugural STEM Fellowship Program which is made available through a partnership with Jackson State University and will be hosted at the new Mississippi Center for Innovation & Technology in Vicksburg and the Technology Transfer Office at Jackson State University.
Participants of this full-time, compensated program will play an active role in the fast-growing field of technology transfer. Benefits include an introduction to and direct participation in strategic planning and approaches to market development for commercialization of STEM-based innovation. This program will provide valuable mentorship and real-world exposure to technology transfer. The fellows will learn the mission of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and other federal entities.
The fellows will gain familiarity and direct experience with the science, legal and business aspects of technology transfer, which are valuable assets in today’s job market. Fellows will gain exposure to methods used in the commercialization of innovative technologies critical for our nation’s 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 with the interest and potential to increase expertise and contribution to STEM-related growth in the US economy. Year One of this program will accommodate one fellow, and recent or current/upcoming graduates of Jackson State University will be considered. In future years, participants from other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be encouraged to apply.
Timeline:
02 May 2022 Applications Open
20 May 2022 Application Submissions due by 5:00 PM CST
23 May-31 May 2022 Applicant review; Interviews will be scheduled and conducted
06 June 2022 Selection announced
Benefits of Participation:
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. Note: Phase I of this fellowship is limited to applicants from Jackson State University.
At a minimum, qualifying candidates for this program will:
Consideration:
Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons. DEFENSEWERX 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 a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Jackson, Mississippi and is designated as Mississippi’s Urban University. It is one of the largest HBCUs in the United States and is primarily recognized for incorporating 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, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Located in close proximity to ERDC’s 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).
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (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 nation's toughest challenges in military engineering, installations and operational environments, civil works, geospatial research and engineering, and engineered resilient systems.
Participants of this full-time, compensated program will play an active role in the fast-growing field of technology transfer. Benefits include an introduction to and direct participation in strategic planning and approaches to market development for commercialization of STEM-based innovation. This program will provide valuable mentorship and real-world exposure to technology transfer. The fellows will learn the mission of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and other federal entities.
The fellows will gain familiarity and direct experience with the science, legal and business aspects of technology transfer, which are valuable assets in today’s job market. Fellows will gain exposure to methods used in the commercialization of innovative technologies critical for our nation’s 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 with the interest and potential to increase expertise and contribution to STEM-related growth in the US economy. Year One of this program will accommodate one fellow, and recent or current/upcoming graduates of Jackson State University will be considered. In future years, participants from other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be encouraged to apply.
Timeline:
02 May 2022 Applications Open
20 May 2022 Application Submissions due by 5:00 PM CST
23 May-31 May 2022 Applicant review; Interviews will be scheduled and conducted
06 June 2022 Selection announced
Benefits of Participation:
- 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:
- Fellow will be identified through a selective application process and, once selected, will be issued a letter of commitment from ERDCWERX.
- Individuals selected for this fellowship will be compensated by ERDCWERX in the amount of $25.00 per hour.
Program Activities:
While working with ERDCWERX staff, Fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Gain exposure to federal government (ERDC) patents/technologies that are available for licensing and the nature of lab R&D activities as well as Jackson State University technology transfer initiatives and research activities
- Participate in technology transfer related activities in collaboration with ERDC TTOs and ERDCWERX support staff
- Gain perspective on business strategies for innovation and patent commercialization
- Contribute to marketing and market research strategies that result in targeted outreach and generate interest in patent commercialization
- Connect with licensing prospects in the promotion of ERDC patents and support for patent license applications
- Become familiar with basic intellectual property terminology as well as standard practices and terms associated with certain types of licensing agreements
- Complete a capstone project, with support from ERDCWERX and other mentors, that includes creation of a commercialization plan for a selected ERDC patent
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. Note: Phase I of this fellowship is limited to applicants from Jackson State University.
At a minimum, qualifying candidates for this program will:
- Be on schedule to complete undergraduate degree requirements in STEM or business-related field before the start of the ERDCWERX fellowship
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Have or be able to obtain a DoD Security Clearance
- Pass a background check to be conducted by ERDCWERX
- Not have any conflicts of interest affecting DEFENSEWERX or the Department of Defense
- Be available for onsite participation at ERDCWERX in Vicksburg, MS, for the duration of the program
- Demonstrate a professional attitude with well-developed interpersonal and communication skills required
- Have a highly collaborative nature
- Be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Must be able to multi-task, work independently, maintain focus, and be detail-oriented
- Requires excellent time management and organizational skills
- Requires technology savvy, quick learner, team player, and process improvement focused
- Must be willing and able to perform in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment
- Must be able to lift 35 lbs.
- Have a genuine passion for working in a small, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization that is stretching itself, growing and highly focused on mission and impact
- High emotional IQ, flexible thinker, ability to work with a team to co-create and co-design ideas and plans, strategic problem solver, quick learner
Consideration:
Applications will be accepted from all qualified persons. DEFENSEWERX 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:
- Full contact information
- Professional resume with details of education completions and work experience
- Brief essay explaining applicant interest in this fellowship, innovation and technology transfer, and personal goals or requirements for participation (500 words maximum)
- Three professional references
Program Partners:
Jackson State University (JSU) is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Jackson, Mississippi and is designated as Mississippi’s Urban University. It is one of the largest HBCUs in the United States and is primarily recognized for incorporating 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, US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Located in close proximity to ERDC’s 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).
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (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 nation's toughest challenges in military engineering, installations and operational environments, civil works, geospatial research and engineering, and engineered resilient systems.
