HudsonAlpha - Innovation Program Manager

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology • Huntsville, AL

1d

About The Position

The Innovation Program Manager is responsible for a portfolio of HudsonAlpha's innovation, entrepreneurship, or commercialization programs. Reporting to the Vice President for Innovation & Economic Development, this role translates strategy into action across internal innovation programs, startup incubation, venture programs, company recruitment, and ecosystem partnerships.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in life sciences or advanced technology driving innovation management, entrepreneurship, research translation, venture development, or related role
• Familiar with innovation, accelerator, or commercialization programs.
• Strong understanding of the biotech and life-science commercialization ecosystem.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, founders, investors, and public-sector stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and execution skills.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (PhD, MS, or equivalent) in science, engineering, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience in incubators, accelerators, venture studios, or tech transfer.
• Experience with portfolio management systems, innovation platforms, or commercialization dashboards.
• Familiarity with translational funding mechanisms (e.g., proof-of-concept programs, SBIR/STTR, public-private partnerships).

Responsibilities

• Manage internal innovation and proof-of-concept programs and processes that advance HudsonAlpha discoveries toward commercial readiness.
• Support operations and strategy for HudsonAlpha's biotech incubator and venture programs in Huntsville and at the Wiregrass Innovation Center in Dothan.
• Drive startup scouting, evaluation, and recruitment aligned with HudsonAlpha's scientific and strategic priorities.
• Contribute to the design and launch of entrepreneurship and innovation programming, including founder education, mentoring, ecosystem events and technology accelerators.
• Administer HudsonAlpha's innovation portal used to track IP, internal innovation projects, stage progression, and associated startups; ensure data quality, adoption, and reporting.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with Alabama-based industry, government, academic, and economic-development partners.
• Support strategic initiatives, track performance metrics, and continuously refine innovation programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees