University of Buffalo-posted 3 months ago
$70,000 - $80,000/Yr
Full-time • Mid Level
Buffalo, NY
Educational Services

UB Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships (BEP) is seeking a Senior Program Associate to strengthen industry engagement and foster collaborative research and development projects in the physical sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing sectors. These industries encompass areas such as semiconductors, materials, energy, applied AI for manufacturing, and other technology-driven fields. The Associate will connect companies with UB's research expertise, facilities, and technology assets; develop proposals and agreements; manage applied R&D projects; and represent BEP in industry-facing activities. This position will oversee UB's partner program of the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub's Commercialization and Collaboration Center (C3) and support the Center of Excellence in Materials Informatics (CMI).

  • Serve as a front-door contact for companies in physical sciences, engineering, and advanced manufacturing industries, with a strong focus on the semiconductor industry.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective partners through outreach, events, referrals, and collaboration with BEP colleagues.
  • Represent UB and BEP at conferences, trade shows, workshops, and company visits to promote university-industry collaboration.
  • Support the development of proposals, statements of work (SOWs), budgets, and agreements for collaborative projects, including those funded through state and federal programs.
  • Manage active projects to ensure milestones are met, relationships are maintained, and deliverables are reported.
  • Administer and track industry-facing projects supported by BEP programs, including the C3 tech vouchers, interfacing with program sponsors.
  • Work with BEP Finance, Sponsored Projects Services, and Technology Transfer to formalize and manage contracts.
  • Facilitate engagement between UB faculty and external partners in the physical sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors.
  • Help identify and scope research opportunities aligned with faculty expertise and company needs.
  • Support faculty participation in BEP programs, including CMI research initiatives and C3 voucher projects.
  • Contribute to the design and delivery of outreach programs, events, and marketing materials that highlight UB's capabilities and industry partnerships.
  • Represent UB in regional Tech Hub and CMI meetings and events.
  • Provide regular reports on engagement activities, project outcomes, and emerging opportunities to BEP leadership.
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Three (3) years of experience in business development, entrepreneurship, innovation, or economic development in industry, academia, or government.
  • Ability to manage projects, contracts, and company relationships.
  • Willingness to attend events, visit local companies, customers, and faculty.
  • Self-motivated to achieve unit and program goals and objectives.
  • Excellent communication capabilities, including strong presentation and written skills.
  • Strong Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly in Word and Excel.
  • Self-motivated, with the maturity to engage with faculty and represent UB to external stakeholders.
  • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without visa sponsorship.
  • Advanced degree in engineering, engineering technology, or physical sciences and five (5) years of related business development or product development experience in industry, academic, governmental, or economic development settings.
  • Experience developing R&D project plans and managing contracts.
  • Familiarity with intellectual property protection and technology commercialization.
  • Experience with a customer relationship management system (e.g. Salesforce).
  • Experience working with or within a university environment.
  • Knowledge of NYS and federal economic development and innovation programs.
  • Marketing and outreach experience with the business community.
  • Salary range $70,000 - $80,000
  • 37.5 hours per week
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