Corporate Partnerships Specialist, Materials & Physics (optics, electronics, quantum) (Johns

Corporate Partnerships Specialist, Materials & Physics (optics, electronics, quantum) Reporting to the Director of Business Development & Portfolio Management, this role focuses on expanding Johns Hopkins University's corporate‑sponsored research portfolio within Materials & Physics, with an emphasis on optics, electronics, and quantum technologies. Responsibilities Faculty Engagement & Relationship Building Build and maintain trusted relationships with faculty, researchers, and leadership across aligned departments and centers. Conduct regular outreach and meetings to understand research priorities and collaboration interests. Act as a visible resource, providing guidance on partnership structures, timelines, and JHTV processes. Identify and cultivate relationships with high‑impact researchers aligned with industry investment priorities. Market Intelligence & Opportunity Sourcing Monitor industry trends, competitive landscapes, and corporate R&D priorities in Materials & Physics. Track market signals such as M&A activity, licensing deals, and strategic initiatives by target companies. Translate intelligence into actionable insights for faculty engagement and partnership strategies. Identify and prioritize target companies aligned with JHU’s research strengths. Proactively source industry‑funded collaborations via scientific networks, conferences, and referrals. Partnership Development & Deal Shaping Scout faculty work and develop corporate partnership opportunities by matching capabilities to industry needs. Shape sponsor‑ready collaboration concepts, defining value propositions, research scope, deliverables, and timelines. Develop pitch materials, research summaries, and partnership proposals tailored to prospective corporate sponsors. Coordinate introductions and facilitate meetings to advance partnership discussions and ensure readiness for industry engagement. Support deal structuring and contract negotiations, managing faculty expectations and ensuring alignment on terms. Pipeline & Portfolio Management Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records of prospects and active engagements in CRM and pipeline tools. Track progress through the business development lifecycle, ensuring timely follow‑up and momentum. Provide regular pipeline updates to the Director and participate in review meetings. Flag stalled opportunities or risks and initiate proactive problem‑solving. Cross‑Functional Coordination & Liaising Serve as the primary liaison between aligned departments and JHTV teams, including Tech Transfer and FastForward. Identify and surface promising intellectual property, licensing opportunities, and startup ideas emerging from research. Coordinate seamless handoffs to Tech Transfer (disclosures/IP/licensing) and FastForward (startup support). Collaborate with other domain‑focused specialists to share best practices and identify cross‑disciplinary opportunities. Partner with Research Administration and central offices to support agreement execution and compliance. Information Sharing & Reporting Document lessons learned, successful approaches, and market insights for team knowledge‑sharing. Prepare and deliver portfolio updates, activity reports, and key metrics to JHTV and school leadership. Participate in regular team meetings, pipeline reviews, and strategic planning sessions. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Advanced degree (PhD or MD) in a related field. Seven (7)+ years of experience in corporate development, business development, external innovation, translational research, R&D strategy, or related roles in industry or academia. U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency required due to federal export controls. Additional education may substitute for required experience; additional related experience may substitute for education beyond a high‑school diploma, to the extent permitted by JHU equivalency formula. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Materials & Physics (optics, electronics, quantum, synthesis). Science and business fluency with ability to engage academic researchers and industry leaders around a value proposition. Familiarity with research/innovation translation and commercialization pathways. Experience supporting research collaborations in academia, industry, or similar organizations. Service‑oriented mindset with strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including oral and written communication. Experience working in a matrix organization, managing success while relying on non‑direct resources. Capacity to thrive in cross‑functional teams with competing priorities and incomplete information. Technical Skills & Expected Level of Proficiency Business Development – Advanced Commercialization Expertise – Advanced Market and Opportunity Analysis – Advanced Project Management – Advanced Partner Relationship Management – Advanced Stakeholder Engagement – Advanced Interpersonal Skills General – Advanced Negotiation – Advanced Proposal Development and Writing – Advanced Data Management and Analysis – Advanced Equal Opportunity Employer Johns Hopkins University is an equal‑opportunity employer. EEO is the law. Job Details Classified Title: Business Development Lead Role Level: ATP/04/PH Salary Range: $116,600 – $204,000 per annum (commensurate with experience) Employment: Full‑time, Hybrid (Krieger School of Arts & Sciences) Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm FLSA Status: Exempt #J-18808-Ljbffr The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.