Assistant Director of Research Startups - OEC
About The Position
Penn State’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research directs efforts to translate the intellectual capital of the University into the marketplace as part of the University’s economic development and land-grant missions. Under the direction of the Director, Research Startups, we are seeking an Assistant Director, focused on providing guidance and support to existing and prospective startup companies based on Penn State University intellectual property. This position rests in the Office of Entrepreneurship and Commercialization. This role works closely with the other members of OEC staff to provide entrepreneurship education, talent and mentor matching, and commercialization services leading to successful commercialization of university technologies. The primary activities involve engaging and managing business advisors to help scientists progress their technology through the various stages of commercialization as part of the Startup Leadership Network (SLN).
Requirements
- Experience with technology commercialization, new venture creation, and funding.
- Excellent planning and management skills.
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.
- Excellent finance and budgeting skills.
- Master's Degree
- 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted (if filled as Technology Commercialization Specialist - Advanced Professional)
- 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted (if filled as Technology Commercialization Specialist - Intermediate Professional)
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced technical degree or MBA.
- Experience working in a university setting, preferably in a research commercialization role.
- Experience in creating startup ventures, teaching entrepreneurship, or investing in startup companies.
- Experience in launching early-stage technology start-ups.
- Experience with investor pitches and due diligence processes.
Responsibilities
- Engage prospective SLN members to assess their backgrounds, interests, and availability for advisory, mentoring, or operational roles with startup companies.
- In collaboration with OEC staff and other sources, identify and facilitate opportunities for SLN member engagement with startups.
- Develop and implement frameworks to support effective SLN member participation (e.g., advisory, mentoring, or other roles), and oversee these engagements, including compensation review and approval.
- Identify and select startup companies that would benefit from participation in the SLN Board of Advisors or Mentor in Residence programs.
- Match SLN members to appropriate startup companies, including identifying candidates for Board of Advisors roles.
- Facilitate direct engagement opportunities for SLN members and others with startups.
- Organize and conduct key SLN programs and events, including: The annual Board of Advisors recruitment meeting where startups present commercialization plans, Training sessions for participating startup CEOs, Regular (bi-monthly or quarterly) Board of Advisors sessions
- Provide ongoing guidance and support to startup CEOs participating in SLN programs and other Penn State startups as appropriate.
- Build and maintain a network of entrepreneurial alumni across the United States.
- May serve as Penn State’s Tech Scout, supporting high-potential NSF I-Corps teams and connecting them to NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnership (TIP) programs.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
