Career Catalyst: Careers in Tech Transfer & Business Development

​Curious about career paths beyond the bench? Technology transfer and business development are dynamic, interdisciplinary fields where science meets law, business, and innovation. Scientists play a central role in bringing discoveries from the lab to the marketplace–protecting intellectual property, fostering collaborations, and supporting startups. Steven M. Ferguson, CLP & Special Advisor, NIH Office of Technology Transfer, will share his career journey, highlight the role of technology transfer in advancing science, and offer advice for scientists interested in exploring this path.

​What you'll learn about:

• ​What is technology transfer, and why is it vital to research and commercialization?

• ​The scientist’s role in patenting, licensing, and managing research collaborations.

• ​How business development functions in biotech, pharma, and startups.

• ​Skills and education that help scientists transition successfully into these fields​

​​About Career Catalyst

​Interested in getting hands-on insights and help from subject matter and career experts within the industry?! Well, look no further than our weekly virtual Career Catalyst Community Office Hours.

​​BioBuzz is thrilled to welcome a different expert every week exclusively for our talent community. LIMITED SPOTS are available to ensure an intimate setting and face time for all participants.

​​What is the goal of Career Catalyst?

• ​​To directly connect talent with industry and subject matter experts

• ​​Provide hands-on insights and best practices to level up in a particular area of expertise

• ​​Review and answer burning questions submitted by YOU

​​Who can attend these sessions?

​​Anyone! While this event is part of our BioBuzz Talent Lab, it is open to all. Interested in more resources like this? Register for free today: https://app.biobuzz.io/

​About Steven Ferguson

​Steven M. Ferguson currently serves as the Deputy Director, Licensing and Entrepreneurship. Prior to joining NIH Office of Technology Transfer in 1990, Mr. Ferguson served in marketing and management positions in biomedical firms subsequent to being a scientist at the National Cancer Institute. His healthcare experience has also included work as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for a rural 70-bed hospital. Registered to practice before the USPTO and a Certified Licensing Professional (CLP), Mr. Ferguson also holds Master's Degrees in Business Administration (George Washington University) and Chemistry (University of Cincinnati) as well as Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry (Case Western Reserve University). Mr. Ferguson has been an economic reviewer for Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) as well as the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) grant programs and is an instructor for both the USDA Graduate School and the NIH FAES Graduate School where he is also the department chair for the new Certificate in Technology Transfer Program. Mr. Ferguson was also the Susan T. and Charles E. Harris Visiting Lecturer at the Watson School of Biological Sciences at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and has published articles on licensing and technology transfer issues.

​​Sponsored by Bio-Trac

​​Over 17,000 Scientists Trained • 300 Scientist Instructors

​​Bio-Trac® workshops, open to the scientific community, are designed by active researchers to equip bench and research scientists with the latest lab techniques. With over 30 years of expertise, Bio-Trac offers training on cutting-edge biotechnology advancements to a global audience across all biotech sectors. Learn more: https://biotrac.com/

​​Disclaimer: Career Catalyst Sessions are intended to provide insights, guidance, and support for professionals navigating their careers. These sessions are not a platform for selling services, recruitment pitches, or business solicitations. They are designed for job seekers and those looking to make connections and build community. Please be respectful and help ensure this remains a valuable resource for all participants.