Assistant Vice President for Innovation and Commercialization

Assistant Vice President for Innovation and Commercialization

The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) is seeking an experienced, visionary leader to build on the strengths of the University and craft a compelling vision for the future that will enable UT Dallas to achieve its goals through a single, well-aligned technology transfer and venture development operation. The Assistant Vice President for Innovation and Commercialization is a high-visibility executive leader in the division of Research and Innovation who is responsible for guiding all aspects of the University's technology commercialization efforts, including the development and growth of new ventures. This role will oversee the Office of Technology and Commercialization and will serve as a primary liaison to external partners and stakeholders, faculty, internal research teams, and others engaged in furthering technology commercialization opportunities for the campus.

Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related field of study with ten (10) years of related professional work experience to include three (3) or more years of supervisory experience. Two (2) years demonstrated experience serving as founder, co-founder, and/or senior executive of at least two (2) research-based startup companies, which can be counted concurrently with the required ten (10) years of experience.

Preferred Education and Experience: Master's degree in a relevant scientific, business, or related discipline. Three (3) years of experience serving in a leadership capacity in a university research environment focusing on research infrastructure, current trends in technology transfer, and current federal and state research compliance regulations, policies, and practices, which can be counted concurrently with the required ten (10) years of experience. Two (2) years of demonstrated experience serving as an accredited investor and/or general partner (GP) or Limited Partner (LP) in a venture capital fund, which can be counted concurrently with the required ten (10) years of experience. Experience in leadership building and strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution.

Knowledge, Skills & Ability: Demonstrated skills in building positive relationships with senior leaders, managers, employees, and external stakeholders. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to express and convey complex ideas. Demonstrated track record negotiating licenses and research agreements. Demonstrated thorough leadership in research, innovation, commercialization, and/or venture development, through published books, articles, or other media, as well as through public speaking at national/regional university, industry, or government conferences or events. Ability to effectively conduct strategic planning, budget proposal and monitoring, grant and contract administrative oversight, and personnel management. Strong understanding and connection with the Texas early-stage new ventures ecosystem, including deep knowledge of the investor and service provider sectors in DFW and North Texas.

Other Qualifications: To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Create outreach activities university-wide to identify commercially relevant research and strong faculty partners who can be cultivated to help achieve commercial success. Create partnerships that link university, state, entrepreneurial and industry resources to address technology and economic development needs. Organize, manage, and maintain an effective tech transfer, technology incubator, and venture development program by assembling and mentoring a strong professional staff. Develop and monitor milestones and administer annual reviews of the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, as well as the commercialization metrics for any other UT Dallas centers or institutes, receiving a significant portion of funding support from and/or reporting to the Office of Research & Innovation. Ensure that faculty have timely, updated guidance and information on University policies as they relate to intellectual property. This includes patent, trademark, and copyright requirements; the processes and procedures that are involved in seeking and obtaining patent protection for inventions; and guidance on effective marketing and licensing strategies for University technologies. Assist in developing a local community of successful companies that are closely linked to research at UT Dallas to serve as an incubator for future research projects and commercialization opportunities. Build a community of advisors, mentors, investors, and entrepreneurs in residence that will strengthen faculty in understanding commercial potential of inventions and devise strategies to commercialize research endeavors. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Physical Activities Working Conditions

Additional Information: Remote Notice: After the probationary period, this role may be eligible for a hybrid (partly remote/partly in office) work schedule, subject to business need and manager approval. May be required to use personal computer and other standard office equipment. Must be located within the DFW Area and have the ability to be on campus with 24 hours of notice. A UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement will be required within 14 days after approval.

What We Can Offer: UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes: Competitive Salary Tuition Benefits Internal Training BCBS PPO Medical insurance – 100% paid for full-time employees PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan – PPO plans include ortho benefits Vision Insurance Long and short-term disability TRSRetirement Plan – defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement Voluntary Retirement Plan Options – additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans Dental/Vision/AD&D Paid time off Paid Holidays Paid Winter Break Fertility Benefits Remote Work Options – approved by department All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program. Visit for more information. If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits? Look no further! Join our team!

Special Instructions Summary: Please include professional references only.

Important Message: 1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public. 2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

1. Veteran Employment Preference - Form DD-214