Commercialization Manager in Lexington, Kentucky at University of Kentucky

None

Sitting for long periods of time. Repetitive motion related to computer work.

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

This position will have a dual role, split 50/50, with the UK Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) as a Commercialization Manager (CM) and with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Evaluation and Commercialization (REACH) Hub as a Project Manager (PM). It will report to the Sr. Associate Director of Commercialization for the CM role and the Director of the Office of Technology Commercialization and Co-I on REACH Hub grant, for the PM role.

The Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) at the University of Kentucky conducts its commercialization activities to create a partnership culture that is focused on strong relations with our stakeholders, transparency, and customer service.

The Commercialization Manager will work collaboratively with other team members to conduct and manage technical, patent, and market research in allocated technology areas. This manager position will support technologies in the drug discovery, drug development space. The manager will identify commercialization partnership targets and/or potential startup team members and assess and pursue market feedback and commercialization opportunities. This position will advise UK startups on early-stage technology development, business formation, SBIR and other funding & partnership opportunities, and collaborate with innovators to assess, advise, and implement commercialization strategies. The manager will coordinate with OTC’s Contracts Team to negotiate licensing and other partnership agreements to execution, and with OTC IP Development team to pursue appropriate protections for UK IP assets. The primary responsibilities of this position will include but not be limited to: developing, utilizing and refining commercialization plans; collaborating with innovators to develop strategies for commercialization; working with and through OTC commercialization programs to develop product-market fit understanding; soliciting interest in and forming relationships with partners ready to negotiate and execute license, option or other commercialization agreements.

The MidSouth REACH Hub Project Manager will serve the UK post for the Hub, funded by the NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hub (REACH) initiative. The overarching goal of the REACH Hub is to increase the speed with which university discoveries are translated into tangible products that improve patient care and enhance human health.

The Project Manager will assist in the day-to-day running of the REACH Program overall and the UK component of the MidSouth Hub. Duties will include working with the MidSouth REACH Hub UK Co- Principal Investigator to manage the various UK aspects of the hub, including: managing the product development grants program; supporting a skill’s development educational program; developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders; marketing and business development efforts; and collection and analysis of UK-related Hub metrics and coordinating with other PMs to analyze those metrics with overall Hub metrics.

The PM will work closely with the other MidSouth REACH Hub Project Managers, leadership and staff, including other Office of Technology Commercialization and Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA) staff.

• 5+ years experience, with demonstrated business development success. MBA/MPA, or a Master’s degree in life sciences, physical sciences, or engineering, or an equivalent degree from an accredited university is a plus. Other qualified candidates will be considered with demonstrated experience in entrepreneurship, talent recruiting, sales, and/or experience working for a technology transfer office or a supporting organization.

• Must have a working understanding and knowledge of best practices in interacting with an academic institution.

• Excellent communication skills, can work effectively with TTO’s across the US, ability to lead Zoom meetings and phone calls to work through issues and educate stakeholders

• Self-starter, accountable, works well with a distributed/remote team

• Must be able to work successfully in a remote setting and take a very proactive approach in outreach to TTOs/partners and understanding their needs.

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.