Careers Opportunities (Training)

International Training Opportunities in Federal Technology Transfer

The NIH Office of Technology Transfer has training opportunities available to scientists, managers and other qualified personnel with background in the fields of law, business, or life sciences. The goal of this program is to enable candidates to combine their legal, business, or life science background with training and experience in the technology transfer field.

The Office of Technology Transfer is responsible for patenting, licensing, and marketing technologies resulting from basic research done at NIH. Our public and private partners license these basic inventions and commercialize them for the benefit of the general public. Trainees will work with OTT staff in the areas of patenting, licensing, marketing, international, and technology transfer policy; NIH scientists; and outside industrial or academic collaborators in pursuit of these goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Trainees will receive hands-on specialized training and will be mentored in and assigned tasks related to:

• Intellectual Property Basics
• International Tech Transfer & Global Health Issues
• Introduction to Licensing and Exposure to Negotiation Practices
• Marketing of Technology
• Technology Assessment
• Monitoring of Technology Development
• Technology Transfer Policy
• Introduction to Cooperative Research Agreements
• Introduction to Public Private Partnerships (basic & clinical research)

Who May Apply

• Candidates must have received at least a Bachelors degree in Science, Business or any relevant field. Experience or additional studies in law, business, or life science will be an asset.
• Candidates must be working in an institution in a developing country (i.e. research organization, health or science & technology institution, university, etc)
• Candidates must have a valid visa, if applicable.
• Ability to commit to a four to six week training at NIH

Special Notes:


• Trainees are not employees of the Federal Government.
• Internships are unpaid
• Proof of health insurance is required.
• Sponsoring institution will be responsible for trainees travel & living expenses including incidentals.

How To Apply

• Submit a resume or CV, and
• A statement of interest explaining why you are interested in a training at the NIH Office of Technology Transfer.
• A statement of support from your institution.
• NIH-590 Internship Approval Form
- Please be sure to indicate when you would be available to start
- How long you can stay

By Email:
Susan Bruff

By Fax:
301-496-9056 -- Attention: Susan Bruff

By Mail:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Office of Technology Transfer
Attn: Susan Bruff
6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325 (MSC 7660)
Rockville, MD 20852-3804


*Applications are accepted throughout the year subject to space.