IP Agreement Intern

and the job listing Expires on September 12, 2026

This position is for MSU students and is part-time with the potential to be extended over several semesters and is limited to approximately 12 hours per week. The IP Agreement Intern will provide critical support to help process confidentiality, data transfer, and material transfer agreements for the university. There is the potential to learn about these agreement/contract terms. The duties entail preparation of summary documents for Freedom of Information Act recordkeeping, and various administrative tasks such as preparing documents for electronic signature or recording the execution date of signed agreements.

Students completing this job successfully will demonstrate the ability to perform independent tasks with minimal supervision, prioritize workflow, analytically read documents to extract critical details, accurately enter information into intellectual property (IP) software, and work with highly technical information and personnel.

• Review and understand the differences between confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, and data transfer agreements.
• Perform internet searches to locate contact information for companies and individuals, and set those companies’ and individuals’ contact records up in a database.
• Process incoming agreements by completing their setup in IP software and entering details into agreement templates, and document executed agreements which includes recording critical information into a database.
• Utilize auto-generated document templates to prepare summary documentation about confidentiality agreements for compliance with Freedom of Information Act requirements.
• Prepare agreements for authorized university electronic signatures using Adobe software.

• Due to confidentiality and export control requirements, Candidate must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America.
• Knowledge acquired through high school and some college. Experience with: data entry; searching academic and commercial information sources; analytical reading; attention to detail; ability to communicate well with both scientists and business professionals; create and maintain electronic documents and filing systems; accuracy, curiosity, persistency, creativity, discretion, analysis, decision‑making, and organization skills. Fundamental knowledge of MS Word and Outlook along with Adobe is recommended.
• Completion of at least one year of college or higher education; experience with legal contracts, or intellectual property; knowledge and respect of policies and procedures outlined for Michigan State University:
  Manual of Business Procedures, MSU Copyright Policy, MSU Patent Policy, and general rules concerning University organization and procedures.