Part - time Research Support - Biomedical Engineering

Graduate Student Position

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is seeking a motivated, business-oriented graduate student to join TalkingSick, an NSF I-Corps-funded spin-off from the Aronson-Valdez Lab at Penn State. This position will focus on translating scientific innovation into real-world impact through targeted customer discovery and structured market analysis, as guided by the NSF I-Corps methodology.

The selected student will work directly to:

• Conduct structured interviews with stakeholders across healthcare, wearable tech, and senior care industries.
• Analyze interview findings to map market needs, identify key pain points, and define potential early adopters.
• Assist in refining value propositions and customer segments within the Business Model Canvas framework.
• Support competitive landscape assessments and synthesize insights into strategic recommendations.
• Help prepare presentation materials for weekly NSF I-Corps cohort sessions.

Eligibility: Applicants must be currently or recently enrolled in the Smeal College of Business and demonstrate:

• Strong communication and analytical skills
• Interest in innovation-driven entrepreneurship
• Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams (science + business)

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.