APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

 

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Early Stage New Venture Advisor (Part-Time)

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization (OEC) at Penn State seeks a part-time Early-Stage New Venture Advisor to support research commercialization efforts, with a primary focus on the Nittany Angels program and Penn State–affiliated startup companies. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for OEC, this role is approximately 10–15 hours per week and will provide targeted, hands-on advisory support to early-stage ventures emerging from Penn State’s research ecosystem. The advisor will work closely with OEC and the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) to help translate research innovations into viable, market-ready companies.
 

Serving as an experienced venture capitalist, angel investor, or senior industry expert, the Early-Stage New Venture Advisor will engage directly with startup founders to assess opportunities and complete specific, business-related advisory engagements. Responsibilities include evaluating problem–solution fit, market demand, product validation, and business model development; advising on pilots and early commercial activity; and supporting discussions related to company formation, team development, and early operating decisions. The advisor will also assist founders with strategic planning, sales and marketing considerations, operational and growth challenges, cash management, and financial planning.
 

This role requires active engagement, networking, and outreach across the business, investment, finance, and technology communities, as well as collaboration with OEC, OTT, and other University partners. The advisor will help founders explore funding options, define capital needs and milestones, and review early pitch or planning materials. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic supporter of commercialization opportunities arising from Penn State research and brings deep experience, sound judgment, and a practical, founder-focused approach to early-stage company development.

Applicants must submit both a cover letter and resume as part of their application materials.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

 

 

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