Researcher Liaison Program Manager

Company Description The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you! Job Description The Researcher Liaison Program Manager leads engagement with Notre Dame’s research community on behalf of the IDEA Center, with a primary focus on the College of Science and the College of Engineering. Serving as the main point of contact for faculty in chemistry, biology, and engineering, this role supports researchers in identifying patentable inventions, understanding commercialization pathways, and navigating the University’s technology transfer process. Central to this position is building trusted relationships with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students to strengthen collaboration between the IDEA Center and the broader research community and to support high-quality invention disclosures. The Researcher Liaison Program Manager reports to the Researcher Liaison Manager and collaborates closely with IDEA Center colleagues across intellectual property, contracts, technology development, and business development to ensure a coordinated researcher experience. This role requires a significant on-campus presence (3+ days per week). Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary liaison for faculty researchers in chemistry, biology, and engineering, building trusted relationships across departments, labs, centers, and institutes. Advise research teams on commercialization potential, intellectual property strategy, and technology transfer pathways. Evaluate invention disclosures and research outputs to identify novel technologies and assess technical and market viability. Manage technology portfolios and lead projects end-to-end to advance research with strong commercialization potential. Apply business, market, and IP principles to guide portfolio development and prioritization. Identify emerging technology and market trends and connect insights across campus to inform opportunity development. Translate complex academic research into relevant commercial opportunities while working effectively within academic workflows. Collaborate closely with IDEA Center colleagues across IP, contracts, technology development, and business development. Supervise and mentor interns or analysts supporting the Researcher Liaison program. Demonstrate strong project management, communication, emotional intelligence, organization, and attention to detail in all responsibilities. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a STEM related field 2+ years of experience in university research, technology commercialization, intellectual property, or a related field Experience with early-stage or cutting-edge technologies, preferably in a university or research setting Preferred Master’s degree or PhD in a STEM field MBA or similar advanced business or commercialization-focused credential Understanding of patentability, market evaluation, and basic business model concepts Additional Information Applicants should include a resume and cover letter with their application. Salary is up to $100,000 and will be commensurate with experience. The application deadline is July 10, 2026. The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity. Division: Vice President of Research Job Subfamily: Commercialization - AA027 Unit: Innovation - 38200 Career Stream / Level: EIC3 Job Family: Academic Aff