UTRF offers four distinct student experiences: the Commercialization Analyst Internship program, the Legal Externship program (in collaboration with the University of Memphis School of Law), the Pharmacy Rotation for UTHSC Pharmacy students and the Marketing and Communications Internship.
Click the links below to learn more about each program or to submit an application.
UTRF Commercialization Analyst Internship Program
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation Commercialization Analyst Program provides graduate students the opportunity to assist our licensing professionals in commercializing UT innovations. Commercialization Analysts assist in the evaluation, marketing, and licensing of cutting-edge technology developed at the University. The intensive training program provided by UTRF to successful applicants will assist them in developing an understanding of intellectual property law, market and industry analysis, and licensing methods and techniques. UTRF has offices in Knoxville (Multi-Campus) and Memphis (Health Science Center).
Read more about the Multi-Campus Office Commercialization Analyst Internship.
Read more about the Health Science Center Office Commercialization Analyst Internship.
UTRF Marketing and Communications Internship
The University of Tennessee Research Foundation Marketing and Communications Internship offers undergraduate junior, senior or graduate students an opportunity to work alongside a marketing professional on projects ranging from social media campaigns and copywriting to graphic design and video production. Interns will build a strong portfolio while developing skills relevant to their field of study, including following brand standards, engaging new and existing audiences, using analytics to develop campaigns, crafting newsletters, and learning industry-standard software and platforms.
Read more about the UTRF Marketing and Communications Internship.
UTRF Legal Externship with the University of Memphis School of Law
UTRF and the University of Memphis Law School collaborate to provide law students with an opportunity to work in a legal setting prior to graduation. This externship offers students an opportunity to gain valuable experience with intellectual property and technology commercial licensing. Externs will work with UT researchers to review new technology disclosures and evaluate their potential through patentability prior art searches and marketability assessments. If the disclosure is patentable and marketable, externs then assist with protection of the intellectual property. Additionally, students will assist UTRF with the commercial licensing of scientific properties.
Read more about the Legal Externship with the University of Memphis School of Law.
UTHSC Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences
This unique rotation partners the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy students with UTRF to provide a deep-dive into academic pharmaceutical development. Students on this rotation will learn the process behind drug discovery and approval, including: how new drugs are designed, developed, repurposed and reformulated at UTHSC; how those drugs are legally protected through intellectual property development; and what regulatory milestones need to be completed for FDA approval. Students will also assist with technology transfer at UTRF.
Read more about the UTHSC Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences.