Senior Associate Director, PCI Ventures

University of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

7d•$135,327 - $200,000

About The Position

The Senior Associate Director is the scientific and entrepreneurial lead for PCI Ventures, reporting to the Executive Director. The role works with Penn faculty, researchers, and expert networks to evaluate high-potential technologies, develop commercialization strategies, identify technical and market risks, and create milestone-based plans to advance venture opportunities toward company formation and beyond. The position provides day-to-day leadership and quality oversight for senior commercialization advisors, including coaching, reviewing project work, setting expectations for rigorous venture-building, and leading advisor onboarding and training. In partnership with the Executive Director, the Senior Associate Director develops and maintains PCI Ventures’ venture-building frameworks and operating practices. The role leads early-stage opportunity triage through office hours and coordinates with Penn’s I-Corps program when additional customer discovery is appropriate. It does not ordinarily maintain a standing project portfolio, but may step into projects to provide continuity during advisor transitions, vacancies, or periods of high workload. As deputy and second-in-command to the Executive Director, the Senior Associate Director represents PCI Ventures internally and externally and makes routine operating decisions when the Executive Director is unavailable.

Requirements

Master’s degree and 5–7 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Personally conducted the kind of scientific research Penn faculty are seeking to commercialize.
Deep product development experience, including practical understanding of taking technology from proof of concept to a product that can be manufactured at scale.
Experience as part of the founding team of a venture-backed startup, including raising capital, building a team, navigating regulatory pathways, and finding early customers.
Experience taking a technology from concept to a market-ready product, integrating science, engineering, and validation.
Experience working across startups, research institutions, government, and industry, with the ability to translate between these environments.
Experience both as a founder seeking capital and as an institutional leader helping others commercialize, with an understanding of investor needs and what scientists need to hear.

Nice To Haves

PhD.

Responsibilities

Work with faculty, researchers, and senior commercialization advisors to evaluate technologies, develop commercialization theses, identify key technical and commercial assumptions, and define milestone-based plans for venture opportunities.
Directly supervise senior commercialization advisors, provide day-to-day coaching, review project work, and ensure consistent quality and rigor across venture-building activities.
Partner with the Executive Director to develop and maintain commercialization frameworks, playbooks, milestone practices, and project-review processes.
Hold office hours for early teams, assess readiness for PCI Ventures engagement, and coordinate with Penn I-Corps when additional customer discovery is needed.
Step into projects during senior commercialization advisor transitions, vacancies, or workload gaps to provide senior scientific and commercial support.
Lead the onboarding and training of new senior commercialization advisors.
Serve as deputy and second-in-command to the Executive Director, represent PCI Ventures internally and externally, and make routine operating decisions when the Executive Director is unavailable.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn, with dependent-child assistance also available at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with pre-tax or Roth savings options.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance for eligible employees and family members.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, including libraries, athletic facilities, cultural activities, and recreational activities.
Discounts and special services, including arts, entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.
Flexible work options and hours.
Forgivable home ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption expense reimbursement for eligible employees.