Discovery to Impact PhD Internship Program

two students sitting in an office talking and smiling

The Discovery to Impact Internship offers PhD students a unique opportunity to work with the Discovery to Impact team at The University of Texas at Austin. 

The role serves as a pivotal bridge between campus innovators and the industry, helping to transform academic research into real-world solutions. The interns will primarily support the Intellectual Property (IP) and Business Development teams. Through this program, PhD students will gain direct, hands-on experience in tech transfer, intellectual property strategy and commercialization pathways to bring groundbreaking research from the lab to the market. 

In addition to the gaining work experience and building their networks, interns also receive significant career support through the Office of Career & Life Design, with monthly professional development seminars. 

UT PhDs with a background in science and engineering are encouraged to apply.

Application Process & Submission

Apply Online Beginning June 3

Fill out the application form in full, including a Resume, Cover Letter and short answer questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on June 28, 2026.

2026-2027 Application Process

Application

Applications will open on June 3, 2026.

Timeline

  • Applications Open: June 3, 2026 

  • Applications Close: 11:59 p.m., June 28, 2026 

  • Interview with Discovery to Impact Team: July 15-24, 2026 

  • Final Decisions Announced: July 30, 2026 

  • Onboarding: August 17 – 21, 2026 

  • Internship start date: September 1, 2026 

Eligibility

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply:  

  • Be a currently enrolled UT Austin doctoral student in a science or engineering field. McCombs doctoral students are also eligible, provided they possess a foundational science or engineering background.

  • Have written approval of your research adviser.

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident due to requirements for access to export-controlled information.

  • Ability to be employed for at least 10 hours during both the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters. This is a 9-month commitment. 


The ideal candidate is a proactive researcher with a strong background in science or engineering and an interest in the business side of innovation. 

Benefits of the Internship

  • Gain direct experience in tech transfer, intellectual property, business development and working with start-ups.  

  • Valuable experience for researchers interested in developing their own technologies, working in consulting, entrepreneurship and biotechnology or tech industries. 

  • Earn $21 per hour.

  • Mentorship: Analysts work closely with the team at Discovery to Impact and engage in professional development seminars and coaching sessions with the Graduate School Office of Career & Life Design.

  • Network: Meet and work directly with companies and faculty to help bring their technologies to market.

  • Flexible with optional remote work hours and projects.

  • Engage in professional development workshops with the Office of Career & Life Design.

Position Details

Business Development and Technology Analyst

Read the full job description linked above.

IP Strategy Support: Prior-Art Searches, Strategy Shaping, and Workflow Modernization 

Market Research: Partner Identification, Trend Analysis, and Commercial Viability 

Technology Marketing: Compelling Summaries, Communication, and Outreach Materials 

Exposure to Licensing: Early-Stage Marketing, Process Training, and Tech Transfer Experience 

Strategic Networking: Professor Collaboration, Corporate Engagement, and Ecosystem Building 

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the internship, please contact Savneet Bains.