Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation

Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Technology Commercialization Senior Professional, Division of Research & Innovation at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The Technology Commercialization Professional is responsible for advancing the development and commercialization of technologies arising from Wayne State University faculty research. This role serves as a senior sector lead, managing a portfolio of technologies and working directly with faculty to assess commercial potential, develop commercialization strategies, and facilitate pathways to licensing, industry partnerships, or startup formation.

The Technology Commercialization Professional operates with a high degree of independence within assigned areas of expertise and contributes to the overall success of the Office of Technology Commercialization by ensuring technologies are effectively evaluated, positioned, and advanced through a structured, stage-gated commercialization process.

This role collaborates closely with the Senior Director, Commercialization, and the Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts. The Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts retains authority over intellectual property protection strategy, patent prosecution, and agreement negotiation and execution. The position reports to the Senior Director, Commercialization.

Essential Functions:

Portfolio Leadership & Commercialization Strategy

Manage a portfolio of technologies within assigned areas of expertise, leading the advancement of innovations through the full commercialization lifecycle. This includes identifying promising discoveries, assessing commercial potential, supporting intellectual property positioning in collaboration with the Director, Intellectual Property & Contracts, and advancing technologies toward licensing, partnership, or startup formation.

Develop and execute forward-looking commercialization strategies for Wayne State technologies, including market assessment, opportunity identification, evaluation of commercial viability, and creation of commercialization roadmaps aligned with university objectives and industry needs.

Conduct detailed analyses of market landscapes, competitive positioning, customer segments, and regulatory considerations to inform commercialization decisions and prioritize technologies for investment and advancement.

Recommend and support translational funding strategies, including proof-of-concept and early-stage development funding, to enhance the commercial readiness and value of technologies.

Faculty & Startup Engagement

Serve as a primary commercialization advisor to faculty researchers, maintaining strong, ongoing relationships and providing guidance on commercialization pathways, market considerations, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Educate and counsel faculty on commercialization processes, including customer discovery, value proposition development, startup formation, and engagement with industry partners.

Support the development of startup opportunities by assisting faculty with early-stage company formation activities, including business model development, team identification, and preparation of investor-facing materials.

Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by encouraging faculty engagement in commercialization activities and helping them understand the broader impact and potential of their research.

Provide mentorship and informal guidance to junior staff, contributing to team development and knowledge sharing across the commercialization function.

Stakeholder Engagement & External Partnerships

Cultivate and maintain relationships with industry partners, entrepreneurs, investors, and other external stakeholders to support the commercialization of Wayne State technologies.

Actively engage with the regional and national innovation ecosystem, including participation in industry events, venture forums, and commercialization networks to promote university innovations.

Identify potential corporate partners and startup collaborators, facilitating connections that enhance the likelihood of successful commercialization outcomes.

Work collaboratively with internal university stakeholders, including the Office of General Counsel, Sponsored Program Administration, and other units, to ensure alignment and effective support for commercialization activities.

Represent Wayne State University in external engagements, promoting its research strengths and commercialization opportunities.

Portfolio Governance, Data Management & Reporting

Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date records in commercialization and IP management systems, ensuring data integrity for reporting, compliance, and decision-making purposes.

Provide timely and relevant information to the Sr. Director, Commercialization, and other OTC team members to support portfolio reviews, resource allocation decisions, strategic planning, and federal compliance requirements.

Track and report on key performance indicators, including technology progression, licensing activity, startup formation, and external engagement outcomes.

Participate in internal portfolio review meetings and contribute to data-driven evaluation and prioritization of technologies.

Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures related to commercialization activities.

Other Duties as Assigned

Perform additional responsibilities as required to support the Office of Technology Commercialization and the overall mission of Wayne State University.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a science or engineering-related field.

Advanced degrees (MBA, JD, or PhD) being preferred.

Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience).

A minimum of 5 years of experience in technology transfer, licensing, or intellectual property management is required.

Experience with startups and the venture capital community is highly desirable.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with faculty researchers, industry partners, legal staff, and business stakeholders is essential.

School/College/Division:

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department:

H0905 - VP Research

Employment Type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
  
• Annual Salary: To be determined
  

Working Conditions:

The Technology Commercialization Professional operates within a dynamic academic and entrepreneurial environment requiring flexibility, responsiveness, and strong relationship management. A hybrid work model supports effective engagement with faculty and external partners.

Some evening and weekend work is required.

Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
  

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.