Position Information
Department or Unit Name Office of Research Position Headcount Position Title Graduate Student Admin/Office Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Grad Anticipated Pay Range $20.00 - $22.00 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
On which Campus will this work be done? Rinker Approved Supervisor Lawrence Lau Supervisor Email lalau@chapman.edu
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Are you curious about how university research transforms into real-world innovation?
The office of Industry Alliances and Commercialization (IAC) in Chapman's Office of Research invites graduate students to apply for a hands-on internship at the intersection of academic research and industry collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of technology transfer and research commercialization, and to play an active role in connecting Chapman's faculty with industry partners who can bring their discoveries to life.
Responsibilities
What You Will Learn and Do
As an IAC intern, you won't just observe. You'll contribute meaningfully to real projects while developing skills that are highly valued across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship.
Research & Discover
Explore Chapman's research capabilities and inventions across life sciences, physical and computer sciences, and digital health, and learn how to match them to industry needs.
Develop hands-on experience using AI-assisted research tools, with a focus on accuracy verification and critical thinking.
Gain exposure to industry trend analysis and learn how to map faculty expertise to real commercial opportunities.
Writing & Communication
Draft professional, non-confidential summaries of Chapman research capabilities; a skill directly applicable to science communication, business development, and technology transfer careers.
Participate in the planning and coordination of meetings between Chapman faculty and industry prospects, learning how partnerships are built from the ground up.
Operations & Professional Development
Contribute to database management and weekly reporting, building organizational skills valued in any professional setting.
Support the broader functions of the IAC, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how a research commercialization office operates.
Required Qualifications
We welcome graduate student applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. You don't need to have all the answers; just the curiosity to find them.
You're a great fit if you:
Are excited about connecting scientific research to real-world applications.
Can synthesize complex information clearly and write professionally for external audiences.
Think critically about AI-generated content rather than accepting it at face value.
Are organized, reliable, and comfortable with structured tasks like data tracking and reporting.
Communicate professionally in written and verbal settings.
Desired Qualifications
- Bonus if you have:
Some exposure to market research, competitive analysis, or industry mapping.
Familiarity with AI research tools.
Experience with CRM or database platforms such as Excel or Salesforce.
A background in life sciences, physical sciences, or digital health/AI.
Special Instructions to Applicants
