Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

Works under the New Ventures Director (NVD) to establish a pipeline of new startups in the physical sciences/digital tools/deep tech sectors and supports WashU’s growth in entrepreneurship of university researchers and university intellectual property companies (WashU Startups) coming primarily from McKelvey Engineering and Arts & Sciences, with possible startups from the medical school as well. Identifies, evaluates, and supports projects with potential to establish new WashU startups, working closely with the Office of Technology Management’s (OTM) licensing team to coordinate relationships with the researchers and provide guidance. Functions independently to provide perspectives and resources to researchers in the physical sciences/digital tools/deep tech areas and connects talent, funding, and advice for the companies they start. Intended to be a domain expert in the physical sciences, digital tools, and deep tech startup space.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Identifies technologies and projects in WashU research labs that could form the basis of a new WashU startup company in physical sciences/deep tech.  Evaluates technologies in light of startup opportunities and guide faculty through the process of starting a company, pitch preparation, interactions with Vice Chancellors.
• Initiates, builds, maintains, and uses relationships with physical sciences, digital tools and deep tech companies and investors for the benefit of WashU startups, including assessing potential talent to work with startups.
• Leads new startups in business canvas prep and preparing business-related materials (business plans, pitch decks, etc.). Prepares startup founders to engage investors and funding sources and review presentation dry-runs for internal and external funding possibilities.
• Prepares and implements general education programming including Venture Fellows, Office Hours and or Boot Camps.  Supports tracking of the internal startup pipeline and utilize the appropriate customer management system to track all internal and external interactions.  Tracks industry trends across physical sciences and digital tools and communicate important aspects within the New Ventures group to researchers, OTM team and the ecosystem.
• Develops and tracks contacts that are beneficial to the university in the capacity of new ventures and industry relationships, as well as develop a talent network of potential EIRs and mentors to review and assist startups in the physical science, digital tools, and deep tech spaces. Works with the New Ventures Associate to support capture and outcomes for WashU startups.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Job Location/ Working Conditions

• Normal office environment

Physical Effort

• Typically sitting at a desk or table

Equipment

• Office equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree

Certifications:

No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (7 Years)

Skills:

Not Applicable

Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications

• ​Experience in academic or industry drug or device development and/or experience with launching early-stage deep tech startups.
• Assess the potential for a nascent technology in the life sciences commercial area for startup opportunities.
• Represent OTM inside and outside WU.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration, Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Certifications:

No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience:

No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Skills:

Biological Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Industry, Biotechnology, Business Cont