Mentor-In-Residence, Technology Transfer Talent Network

Mentor-In-Residence, Technology Transfer TalentNetwork Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Mentor-In-Residence, Technology Transfer Talent Network atits Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university locatedin the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from allbackgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Ourdeep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity,diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educationalopportunities which prepare students for success in a globalsociety. Position Purpose: The Tech Transfer Talent Network (T3N) Mentor-in-Residence (MIR)serves as a senior-level commercialization advisor who acceleratesthe translation of university innovations into commercially viableproducts, startup ventures, and licensing opportunities. The MIRworks closely with faculty inventors, researchers, students,technology commercialization professionals, entrepreneurs,investors, and industry partners to evaluate early-stagetechnologies, improve commercialization decision-making, reducetechnical and market risk, and advance innovations toward marketadoption. Essential Functions Technology Assessment, Opportunity Evaluation &Commercialization Strategy. Evaluate early-stage technologies for technical feasibility, marketopportunity, competitive positioning, intellectual propertyconsiderations, and commercialization potential. Provide strategic recommendations to improve technology transferdecision-making and prioritize opportunities with the greatestlikelihood of market success. Guide faculty, researchers, and technology commercialization staffthrough customer discovery, market validation, business modeldevelopment, and commercialization planning. Startup Formation, Venture Development & Mentorship. Mentor faculty founders, entrepreneurial researchers, students, andstartup teams in venture creation and growth. Assist with company formation, commercialization roadmaps, businessplanning, team development, value proposition refinement, investorreadiness, and milestone achievement. Leverage entrepreneurial experience to accelerate startupdevelopment and increase venture success rates. Ecosystem Engagement, Investor Connections & ResourceIntegration. Connect innovators with investors, mentors, industry partners,service providers, accelerators, incubators, and economicdevelopment resources. Facilitate introductions that advance commercialization objectives,support strategic partnerships, and expand access to capital andmarket opportunities. Funding Support, Due Diligence & CommercializationPrograms. Assist with the identification, evaluation, and advancement oftechnologies seeking gap funding, translational research funding,SBIR/STTR support, proof-of-concept funding, and ventureinvestment. Participate in technology diligence, proposal reviews, milestonedevelopment, and funding recommendations. Support commercialization programs and innovation initiatives thatadvance university technologies toward market readiness. Perform other related duties as assigned. Unique Duties: Part-Time position at .49 fte. Minimum Qualifications: Education Master’s degree Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+years’ experience) Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years’experience) Significant experience as an entrepreneur, startup executive,investor, technology commercialization professional, businessdevelopment executive, or innovation leader. Demonstrated experience evaluating early-stage technologies andadvancing them toward commercialization. Experience forming, growing, financing, or advising startupcompanies. Experience conducting customer discovery, market assessment,product-market fit analysis, and commercialization planning. Experience working with venture capital firms, angel investors,strategic corporate partners, or economic developmentorganizations. Experience working with university technologies, researchinstitutions, or innovation ecosystems preferred. Track record of successfully supporting technology-based venturecreation, licensing transactions, or commercializationoutcomes. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Strong knowledge of technology commercialization, venturedevelopment, startup formation, and innovation ecosystems. Ability to assess technical innovations and identify commercialopportunities across multiple industry sectors. Knowledge of intellectual property, licensing, market validation,customer discovery, and fundraising processes. Understanding of early-stage company financing, investorexpectations, and venture growth strategies. Ability to mentor and advise faculty, researchers, entrepreneurs,and startup leadership teams. Strong strategic planning, business analysis, and opportunityassessment skills. Excellent relationship-building and networking abilities withinvestors, industry partners, and entrepreneurialstakeholders. Strong communication, presentation, facilitation, andreport-writing skills. Ability to work collaboratively across universities, disciplines,and stakeholder groups. Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority andnavigate complex innovation environments. Knowledge of Michigan's innovation, entrepreneurship, and economicdevelopment ecosystem preferred. School/College/Division: The Division of Research & Innovation Primary Department: H0905 - VP Research Employment Type: Regular Employee Job type: Fractional Time Job category: Staff/Administrative Funding/Salary Information: Compensation type: Hourly Wage Hourly Rate: To be determined Working Conditions: Normal Office Environment. Job Openings: Number of openings: 1 Reposted position: No Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offeredemployment to undergo a background check, including a criminalhistory check, before starting work. If you are offered employment,the university will inform you if a background check isrequired. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wayne State University