Director, CELSIUS

Position: Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Learning, Science of Innovation, and University Spinouts (CELSIUS)

School: Girard School of Business

Institution: Merrimack College

Location: North Andover, MA

Appointment Type: Full-time; 12-month administrative appointment with tenured

Full Professor faculty appointment

Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026

Reports to: Vice President of Research (Center Director role) and Academic Dean, Business(faculty role)

Merrimack College seeks a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Learning, Science of Innovation, and University Spinouts (CELSIUS). Launching in Spring 2026, CELSIUS is a bold new cross-disciplinary initiative designed to advance innovation through hands-on learning, research translation, and spinout incubation.

CELSIUS brings together the fields of science, engineering, and business to create a vibrant ecosystem where faculty and students co-create solutions with industry partners, commercialize intellectual property, and launch ventures that generate economic and social value. The Director will lead this effort from the ground up—developing CELSIUS’s strategy, programs, partnerships, and visibility as a regional and national model for innovation-driven impact.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will receive a highly competitive salary and start-up package to facilitate the growth of their research program at Merrimack College, which is located 25 miles north of Boston and has collaborations with a variety of institutions in the metro Boston area. We are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to enable our faculty to achieve their research goals and contribute to developing a cutting-edge research environment, including a robust Office of Sponsored Programs to support extramurally funded research. We also prioritize ongoing professional development to help our faculty remain at the forefront of their respective fields.

Join Our Mission

Join us in our mission to create a research university that serves as a hub for innovation and applied impact. We believe in the transformative power of research to enlighten minds, engage hearts, and empower lives. By focusing on the development of research clusters, labs, and research centers, we aim to foster collaboration, drive technological advancements, and contribute to solving global challenges. The Girard School of Business is deeply invested in emerging fields, and this position will play a critical role in advancing our commitment to interdisciplinary learning, applied research, and societal impact.

Position Overview

The Girard School of Business at Merrimack College invites applications for this full-time, 12-month administrative position of Director, Center for Entrepreneurial Learning, Science of Innovation, and University Spinouts (CELSIUS). We seek a scholar and educator who will contribute to the continued growth of our innovative programs, advance interdisciplinary research, and support the College’s mission of fostering academic excellence and community engagement.

CELSIUS offers a rare opportunity to lead a mission-driven innovation center from inception—shaping its strategy, building impactful programs, and forging high-profile partnerships. The Director will be instrumental in defining how Merrimack College prepares future entrepreneurs, catalyzes faculty innovation, and contributes to the region’s economic growth through new venture creation.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Establish CELSIUS’s vision, structure, and operational model as a high-impact center for innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Develop and implement a strategic roadmap aligned with Merrimack’s institutional priorities of Growth and Impact.

• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates entrepreneurial learning and innovation across departments.

Venture Creation & Industry Collaboration

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