Intellectual Property Portfolio Management Internship

Job Summary

Job Description

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)

Intellectual Property Portfolio Management Internship
Location:Woods Hole, MA (hybrid)
Duration:16-18 weeks (flexible start/end dates)

Program Overview

This internship offers a structured professional development experience for a student or early-career professional interested in intellectual property management, technology transfer, innovation operations, and research commercialization.

The intern will work within OceanWorks, WHOI's innovation and commercialization office, supporting ongoing efforts to strengthen the management, organization, and accessibility of the Institution's intellectual property portfolio. As WHOI continues to enhance its innovation infrastructure, including the implementation of Salesforce as its portfolio management platform, the organization is undertaking a comprehensive review of intellectual property records, supporting documentation, and portfolio management practices.

Through this project, the intern will gain hands-on experience with patents, invention disclosures, licensing agreements, inventor records, and technology transfer documentation while learning how research institutions manage intellectual property assets throughout the innovation lifecycle. The internship provides a unique opportunity to develop practical skills in portfolio analysis, records management, IP administration, and innovation operations within a world-class research environment.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, participants will be able to:

• Understand the lifecycle of intellectual property assets from invention disclosure through commercialization.

• Gain practical experience with academic technology transfer and IP portfolio administration.

• Learn how patent, licensing, and inventor records are organized, maintained, and managed within a research institution.

• Develop skills in data validation, documentation management, and portfolio analysis.

• Contribute to the development of processes and tools that support effective intellectual property stewardship.

Training Components

1. Intellectual Property Portfolio Management

• Learn the structure and components of an institutional IP portfolio.

• Become familiar with invention disclosures, patents, patent applications, copyright records, licensing agreements, and related documentation.

• Assist in reviewing portfolio records to understand relationships among intellectual property assets, inventors, and commercialization activities.

• Gain exposure to best practices in technology transfer administration.

2. Records Organization & Documentation Practices

• Learn how intellectual property records are maintained across portfolio management systems and supporting document repositories.

• Assist in organizing and validating patent, licensing, inventor, and agreement documentation.

• Review supporting exhibits and legal records associated with intellectual property assets.

• Participate in efforts to improve documentation consistency and accessibility.

3. Technology Transfer Operations

• Observe how research discoveries move from laboratories to real-world application.

• Gain familiarity with patent protection, licensing, and commercialization processes.

• Learn about the roles of inventors, institutions, outside counsel, and industry partners in managing intellectual property.

• Assist with portfolio tracking and administrative support activities.

4. Data Management & Process Improvement

• Learn how Salesforce and related systems support portfolio management activities.

• Assist in reviewing and improving portfolio data quality.

• Contribute to the development of reports, dashboards, and portfolio tracking tools.

• Participate in discussions regarding process improvements and operational efficiencies.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Currently enrolled graduate students and upper-level undergraduate students (junior or senior standing) are encouraged to apply. Graduate student or advanced undergraduate pursuing studies in intellectual property management, innovation management, business, law, legal studies, library and information science, research administration, or a related field.

• Interest in intellectual property, technology transfer, innovation operations, or research commercialization.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work with complex records and information systems.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience with databases, CRM systems (Salesforce), legal documentation, or records management is desirable.

• Familiarity with patents, licensing, intellectual property administration, or technology transfer processes is strongly preferred.

Mentorship & Evaluation

Interns will receive regular mentorship from OceanWorks leadership and staff and will participate in periodic reviews focused on intellectual property management, portfolio administration, and technology transfer operations. Throughout the internship, participants will build professional competencies in innovation management and intellectual property stewardship while contributing to meaningful institutional initiatives. The internship will conclude with a final presentation summarizing lessons learned, portfolio insights, and recommendations for supporting effective long-term IP portfolio management.

Additional Job Requirements

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.