SSTI Job Corner

Have an open position? Let us post your position or RFP listing — it's free for SSTI Members/$95 for all others. Postings stay active on our website for 45 days and a brief mention is included in the SSTI Weekly Digest. Please use our listing submission form or send the position title, description, and any other relevant information to Susan Niple (niple@ssti.org | 614.901.1690). The deadline to be included in our weekly newsletter is Wednesday at 12:00 PM. 

The following positions are available:

Assistant Vice President, Enterprise and Innovation - University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada, Reno, is seeking an Assistant Vice President for Enterprise & Innovation (AVP-EI). The AVP-EI will lead the commercialization of the University’s research, artistic, scholarly and innovation discoveries and activities. This includes managing the university’s intellectual property and enterprise endeavors, cultivating relationships with private and public entities, and providing strategic direction for the university of Nevada, Reno Innevation Center and Community outreach efforts. Additionally, the AVP-EI will play a key role in enhancing industry partnerships and building engagement opportunities through the Nevada Center for Applied Research, and Promoting the state-wide Manufacture Nevada program, which assists businesses to become premier industry leaders in the manufacturing, construction and mining industries.

They will directly work with faculty entrepreneurs to form new ventures and support existing start-ups in all disciplines, while identifying and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities for university’s faculty and students. The AVP-EI will also serve as the point-of contact with the Board of Nevada Research & Innovation Corporation (NVRIC), a non-profit corporation whose mission is to support commercialization and entrepreneurial activities at the University. For more information and to apply, please go here.

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Associate Director, Technology Venture Studio - University of Missouri - Kansas City

The UMKC Innovation Center is seeking candidates for the position of Associate Director, Technology Venture Studio. This position manages UMKC Innovation Center Technology Venture Studio programs to assist technology founders and businesses in accessing capital, advisors, networks, training, coaching and other resources for developing businesses. The role works directly with Digital Sandbox KC, KCInvestED, Whiteboard2Boardroom, Digital Health KC, and the supporting Studio programs designed to build connectivity and community for early-stage tech companies. The Associate Director creates and manages events, measures program success, and assists with program impact collection. This position requires strong project management and networking skills. For a more detailed description and to apply for the position, please go here.

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President & CEO - Cherokee Farm Development Corporation

The Cherokee Farm Development Corporation (CFDC) is pleased to begin a national search for its next President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A not-for-profit organization, CFDC is responsible for the development and support of real estate and innovation assets essential to the research, innovation and workforce development goals of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT).

CFDC currently supports the development of the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, a place-based initiative housing high-tech firms like Volkswagen and CEC, the R&D programs of UT’s Institute for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, the CFDC-operated Spark Innovation Center incubating and accelerating high-tech start-ups, and The Orthopaedic Institute, a state-of-the-art ambulatory care facility operated by the UT Medical Center and OrthoTennessee and housing UT’s R&D Center for Precision Health. In the Fall of 2024, CFDC will open a new ~90,000 SF mixed-use facility on the UT Research Park supporting research, innovation and workforce development in advanced manufacturing, and is currently entertaining bids from organizations interested in developing an extended stay hotel and conference center on the site.

The CFDC President and CEO will support the expansion of the UT Research Park and explore other place-based innovation initiatives in the greater Knoxville region, including, for example, in the City of Knoxville, Knox County’s Hardin Valley, and in Oak Ridge, where the University enjoys a strategic partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). For a full description please go here.

Applications and nominations should be addressed to Catherine Lane, Search Committee Chair, and submitted via email to emily@tnresearchpark.org. Applications should include: 1). a cover letter; 2). a curriculum vitae; and 3). the names and contact information of five professional references. Review of applications will begin on April 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2024.

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National Science Foundation Engines Program Director - Activation Capital

Central Virginia has been awarded a National Science Foundation Type 1 Engines award. The purpose of this grant is to conduct an integrated and comprehensive set of activities spanning use-inspired research, translation-to-practice, entrepreneurship, and workforce development to nurture and accelerate Central Virginia’s Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (APM) cluster activity. The Engine will bring together an inclusive and diverse network of partners and stakeholders who will participate in the regional innovation ecosystem.

The Project will accelerate the creation of an APM hub that will drive the nation’s effort to secure its supply of quality affordable medicines, from R&D to the domestic manufacture of KSMs, APIs and finished formulations, enabling breakthroughs. The region is well positioned to support the Engine, with significant public and private investment ($500+ million) and is home to more than 80 life science R&D commercialization assets across complementary industries that can be leveraged to build a sustainable Engine.

The Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Corporation (Activation Capital’s 501c3) is seeking an accomplished senior business leader to serve as the Program Director to lead the implementation and strategy for AC’s Type 1 National Science Foundation Engines Award. This individual has demonstrated scientific credentials and senior leadership experience in successfully managing major initiatives and public-private stakeholder groups. For a detailed job description and instructions to apply, please go here.

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Semiconductor, Innovation and Investment Executive - Michigan Economic Development Corporation

MEDC helps Michiganders prosper by investing in their businesses and communities, enabling the growth of good jobs, and promoting Michigan’s reputation as a world-class business location and travel destination. By joining their team, you will play an integral role in directly supporting Michigan’s success, where you work, live and play. MEDC is seeking candidates for Semiconductor, Innovation and Investment Executive.

The successful candidate will develop and execute a strategy to land semiconductor industry investments in Michigan as part of the state of Michigan’s ‘Make It In Michigan’ economic development strategy focused on People, Places and Projects. A key element of the Projects part of the ‘Make It In Michigan’ is competing for and winning more opportunities across specific focus sectors. The semiconductor value chain is one the state’s focus areas for deploying financial and programmatic resources. Lead, optimize, collaborate on and deploy the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) sector development strategy and activities for growing the semiconductor industry in Michigan; promotes available MEDC and State programs and resources for the industry cluster; analyzes industry trends and technologies; analyzes, identifies, develops and cultivates a portfolio of companies and industry leaders for retention, expansion, or new investment in Michigan; helps to identify new sectors for potential development; establishes long-term supply chain development strategies; identifies, and executes strategies to drive semiconductor federal funding into Michigan.

This position may work a hybrid (remote/in-office) schedule. Selected candidates who have been approved to work a hybrid schedule must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview. For more information and to apply for the position, go here.

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Executive Director of the NSF Engine: Louisiana Energy Transition Engine - Louisiana State University FUEL

Gardner Innovation Search Partners has been retained to manage the search for an Executive director of the NSF Engine: Louisiana Energy Transition Engine at Louisiana State University FUEL. Gardner Innovation Search Partners is the top technology transfer recruiter in the world, and is committed to presenting a diverse slate of candidates who possess the skills, expertise, and enthusiasm to thrive in this role.

Louisiana is one of the nation’s most productive and valued states in energy exploration and production and is uniquely positioned to lead emerging and advanced technologies for the energy transition in addition to its historical role producing traditional energy and chemical products. As such, LSU seeks an innovative and experienced Director to lead the newly created Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL) Partnership, which will play a vital role in Louisiana’s energy future through the advancement of research, workforce, and technology commercialization across the state. The FUEL program is one of 10 NSF Regional Innovation Engines, NSF Engine: Louisiana Energy Transition Engine, with funding of up to $160M over the next ten years. This position will oversee the entire portfolio of projects as well as a team of at least five direct reports.

The Executive Director will be guided by a diverse Governance Board of internal and external stakeholders, will lead the FUEL Partnership, strengthen Louisiana’s energy posture, and collaborate with industry and community stakeholders to develop a vision for the energy future across the state, nation, and globe. It is the paramount intention that the FUEL Partnership develops into an independent, self sufficient, trusted, and highly respected voice of the energy transition, supporting state, community, and parish policy development. Interested applicants should send a detailed resume and any questions to: Lisa Rooney, Recruiter at lisa@gardnerisp.com. For more details, please visit https://gardnerisp.com/executive-director-of-the-nsf-engine-louisiana-energy-transition-engine-louisiana-state-university/.

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Innovation Partners Director - University of Oregon, Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation

The University of Oregon Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation is seeking an Innovation Partners Director to drive optimization of outcomes for research translation; expand the university’s capacity to generate use-inspired, market-driven innovations; and accelerate discovery at the intersection of academic research, innovation, and commercialization. The position focuses on developing, managing, and continuously improving the technology transfer process for all UO innovation assets. The Director primarily will lead the day-to-day operations of the technology transfer office, including protection of intellectual property, negotiation and execution of a wide array of technology transfer agreements, and management of faculty and student outreach and training. Additionally, the Director will serve as the case manager for a subset of the portfolio, complemented by direct reports that manage the portfolios for the physical sciences and social sciences.

This position has broad latitude and authority to accomplish goals and objectives. The successful candidate must have strong communication and management skills, the ability to plan both strategically and tactically, high-functioning organizational skills, attention to detail, adherence to confidentiality, and discretion.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Associate Vice President for Industry, Innovation & Translation (IIT). The Director will collaborate closely with the AVP and other units in IIT for the overall strategic direction, management, and administration of the University of Oregon’s technology commercialization operations and industry engagement programs. This position requires work located in Eugene, but hybrid options may be considered. For more details and to apply, plese go here.

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Manager, Lab2Launch - Emory University, School of Medicine

The Emory HSRB II Innovation Zone is designed to provide Emory-related startup companies with license to Emory intellectual property access to dedicated, flexible, and affordable laboratory infrastructure to develop, test, and grow life science business ideas and reach their milestones faster. It will also include a venue for industry partners to demonstrate their latest beta technologies to faculty. The HSRB II Innovation Zone will foster a community of entrepreneurship within the policy framework of Emory School of Medicine (ESOM) and ensure that the mission of these spaces track to the overall vision for HSRB II.

Biolocity, an Emory University & Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) life science incubator, was relaunched in 2015 in partnership with the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation to provide translational grant funding and life science product development expertise to academic stage assets with the goal of creating license opportunities and investor-ready start-ups at both Emory and Georgia Tech. Since 2015, Biolocity has funded 58 projects. These 58 projects have led to 22 start-ups, two industry licenses, four products on the market, and a 1:10 leverage on awarded funds to follow-on-funding. Biolocity has demonstrated the capability to identify, mentor, and develop opportunities with the ability to attract follow-on funding and partnership opportunities.

This position is an Emory University School of Medicine (SOM) role reporting to the Associate Dean of Innovation in collaboration with Woodruff Health Sciences (WHSC) and Biolocity. For a list of duties and qualifications, and instructions to apply, go here.

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Program Specialist (Ecosystem Development Specialist) - U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development

The Office of Investment and Innovation Ecosystem Development Division in Washington, DC is seeking a Program Specialist (Ecosystem Development Specialist).This position is responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of positive relationships with U.S. Innovation Ecosystem Stakeholders including entrepreneur support organizations and federal lab to market leaders across regions and/or industry and technology areas of national priority. For more information and instructions to apply, please go here.

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Use-Inspired R&D Director - Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, Innosphere Ventures

Innosphere Ventures, a pioneering force in fostering technological innovation, announces a significant step forward in its mission to drive climate resilience and sustainability. With the recent acquisition of grant funding for the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, Innosphere Ventures is poised to expand its team and deepen its impact across the Colorado-Wyoming region. 

Innosphere is seeking a visionary Use-Inspired R&D Director in Climate related science and technology for the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine (CO-WY Engine).The Use-Inspired R&D Director will play a central role in steering the direction of the CO-WY Engine's innovative climate research and solutions program. This visionary leader will drive strategic roadmaps for climate science and technology projects, facilitate multidisciplinary research teams, and cultivate partnerships with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's or higher degree in a relevant field, along with demonstrated experience in strategic technology road mapping and leading innovative projects in climate science and technology. For more information and instructions to apply by February 26, please go to https://innosphereventures.org/co-wy-engine-hiring-use-inspired-rd-director/.

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Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) - Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, Innosphere Ventures

Led by Innosphere Ventures and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the CO-WY Engine is a collaborative initiative focused on driving innovation in climate resiliency and sustainability across the Colorado-Wyoming region. The CO-WY Engine brings together a diverse network of partners to develop and commercialize technologies that address critical environmental challenges, foster economic growth and enhance community well-being. 

The Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine (CO-WY Engine) is seeking a Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA). This role is pivotal in shaping and steering our organization’s diversity, inclusion, and workforce development initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of DEIA principles, experience in designing data-informed programs, and a proven track record in strategic partnership building. For more information, and to apply by March 5, please visit https://innosphereventures.org/co-wy-engine-hiring-director-of-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-access-deia/.

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Associate Vice President for Research for Science & Policy (AVPRSP) - University of Utah, Office of the Vice President for Research

The Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR ) seeks a dynamic partner to serve as an Associate Vice President for Research as the Associate Vice President for Research for Science & Policy (AVPRSP ) at 1.0 FTE . The VPR reports to the President of the University of Utah (UofU). The VPR oversees 16 administrative units who are committed to providing quality support, resources, and strategic investments to the UofU's research community. This is an inaugural position and would collaborate with three other Associate Vice Presidents for Research (AVPR ) teams under the VPR . This position has the potential of carrying an academic appointment, but it is not a requirement. If the candidate is seeking an academic appointment, then hiring will be coordinated with the recruiting home college & department. The position will play a pivotal role in formulating and integrating plans to expand existing areas of UofU research strengths. This will be accomplished by partnering with key stakeholders in the state, federal, or industry sectors while also steering the research enterprise towards emerging technology and markets. For more information, and to apply for this position, please visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/157053.

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