Department SING Polsky Science & Technology - Administration About the Department The Polsky Center advances innovative ideas and technologies from the University of Chicago ecosystem to the world. Through education, resources, and programs, the Polsky Center commercializes discoveries, partners with companies, and attracts venture capital. The Polsky Center runs a top-ranked business accelerator, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge; operates a multi-disciplinary co-working space called the Polsky Exchange; and manages the George Shultz Innovation Fund that invests in early-stage ventures. Finally, the Polsky Center houses the University of Chicago’s technology transfer unit, which manages all University-based intellectual property originating from faculty research and discoveries that can be licensed to industry partners and investors. Job Summary Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Technology Ventures, the Director of Venture Development will play a pivotal role in advancing the commercialization of faculty-led science ventures and managing a robust network of relationships with investors. This role leads the identification, investigation, and negotiation of licensing opportunities for permission to use intellectual property rights, including trademarks, patents, or technology. Solves unique and complex problems related to the transfer and use of intellectual property. Provides specialized expertise to faculty to transform ideas and discoveries into patents, licenses, products, services, and ventures. The Director will work closely with University faculty and researchers and University intellectual property companies to evaluate research innovations and assess startup potential, provide guidance on commercialization strategies, support preparation for investor engagement, and provide connections to relevant funding, talent, and advice. Additionally, the Director will act as a critical liaison to the venture capital ecosystem and other investors, cultivating relationships and connecting investors with relevant startups to secure funding and strategic partnerships. The Director will also work closely with colleagues across the Technology Ventures team at the Polsky Center, including in IP and technology development, business licensing and technology marketing, IP compliance, and accelerators and investments. Responsibilities Drives Venture Development team priorities, including setting and executing strategies to support the creation and growth of University researcher and science ventures. Builds and strengthens relationships with the venture capital and investor ecosystem. Provides leadership and management for direct report(s). Works closely with University faculty and researchers to identify and assess commercial value of new and existing research projects and invention disclosures with startup potential, in partnership with IP and business development team leadership. Works closely with faculty to understand their venture needs and next steps and provides ongoing proactive coaching. Undertakes technical and commercial due-diligence based on input from internal and external stakeholders with the objective of charting a business/commercialization strategy. Prepares faculty and their startups for investment diligence and engage with investors, which may include reviewing and supporting the development of business plans and pitch decks, coaching researchers in presenting ideas to investors, and proactively identifying and facilitating investor meetings. Establishes or expands programs to identify and support entrepreneurial talent, mentorship, and early-stage management for science ventures. Builds and cultivates a robust network of venture capitalists, corporate investors, and industry leaders to support funding and strategic partnerships for faculty startups. Develops presentation materials and target business case / new opportunity pitches to selected partners. Tracks emerging trends in venture capital and areas of University research focus, including life sciences, quantum technology, cleantech, and AI, to inform strategic opportunities for faculty ventures. Manages budget and processes to support venture development activities, ensuring seamless coordination between faculty, Polsky staff, and external partners. Represents the University as a thought leader in venture development and commercialization. Partners across Polsky and university stakeholders, including working closely with the other Technology Ventures teams and Booth entrepreneurship teams. Manages existing agreements for performance, compliance, and payment of associated fees. Leads development of marketing plans and implementation. Maintains communication with faculty and patent attorneys. Uses specialized depth and breadth of expertise to promote the mission and business of the department through developing strong relationships with inventors, legal counsel, prospective and actual licensees, and colleagues. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, chemistry, materials science, physics, computer science, engineering, or related discipline. Experience: Knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of experience in technology commercialization, venture creation, and/or investments. Launching, working at, or investing in early-stage science and deep tech startups. Background with venture capital or other investor diligence. Deep expertise in supporting the creation and growth of science-based ventures, including conducting and developing commercialization strategies, and preparing investor engagement materials. Working closely with or for faculty and faculty-led ventures. Background in life sciences, quantum technology, clean tech, or data science and AI, and support ventures in these areas. Preferred Competencies Demonstrated leadership capabilities. Develop and lead strategies that establish new functions and capabilities to grow the impact of University researcher ventures. Effectively communicate and collaborate on scientific inventions and technologies with a variety of stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, and external partners. Deep understanding of the science startup venture landscape, including the venture investment landscape, and provide strategic guidance to early-stage startups. Provide strong customer service to University researchers and external partners. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, and build rapport and credibility with faculty, researchers, and venture capital partners. Demonstrated comfort with ambiguity and organizational change in a rapidly evolving field. Creative problem-solving skills to address complex challenges at the intersection of science, business, and law. Knowledge of intellectual property, including evaluate commercialization strategies and licensing agreements. Working Conditions This position is currently expected to work a minimum of three days per week in the office. Work flexible hours according to demands of business. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (preferred) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Legal & Regulatory Affairs Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $160,000.00 - $210,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for a team-based incentive plan Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/
