Industry Alliance Specialist 4 (Local Hybrid)
University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
Industry Alliance Specialist 4 (Local Hybrid)
Salary range: $113,000 - $133,000. This position is a renewable, multi‑year contract appointment and is eligible for full University of California benefits.
Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Local Hybrid. A campus presence is required, and the incumbent will travel throughout the Central Valley and beyond. Applicants from the Northern California Bay Area may be considered provided they plan a regular weekly campus presence.
Initial applicant review and interviews will take place after January 5, 2026.
About UC Merced The University of California, Merced is the newest of the UC system’s 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting‑edge, 21st‑century research institution. It offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. UC Merced is uniquely positioned to provide world‑class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state.
About the Job Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor, the Industry Alliances Specialist 4 (IAS4) manages programs and provides resources to support technology commercialization and the formation of new university‑associated startup companies. The IAS4 serves as a point person with business and technical expertise, engaging directly with innovators and entrepreneurs to facilitate a pathway from research to commercial impact through startup growth and development. The role works closely with campus partners, industry representatives, and investors to develop and implement programs that facilitate funding for translational research and support startups commercializing university technologies. In addition, the IAS4 assists entrepreneurs in developing effective strategies to leverage various sources of funding, including government entities and foundations, to de‑risk and advance the development of foundational technologies.
Key Responsibilities
Cultivate a pipeline of innovators and startups by engaging with diverse groups of university‑associated entrepreneurs, academic departments, labs, and centers, as well as student classes, programs, and clubs, and assessing research and innovation activities for new technology commercialization opportunities.
Identify barriers to new startup formation that exist for university‑associated innovators and entrepreneurs and develop strategies to overcome them.
Manage relationships with portfolio innovators and startups, regularly assessing needs, effectively moving through program workflows, and proactively identifying and solving problems.
Assist entrepreneurs with navigating internal policies and processes relevant to university innovators, startup founders, and executives, including intellectual property, conflicts of interest, commitment, and other compliance aspects.
Develop and manage innovation and entrepreneurship programs and partnerships, organize workshops and events, deliver services, provide business guidance, and facilitate connections to internal and external resources and networks to support the formation and growth of university‑associated startups.
Collaborate with partners to coordinate and support innovation and entrepreneurship programs and activities, including NSF iCorps and Blackstone Launchpad.
Develop and manage mentor and entrepreneur‑in‑residence programs focused on providing dedicated support and strategic guidance to innovators and startups.
Develop educational content, mentor pipeline, and support to capture SBIR/STTR funding.
Work closely with the AVC and other partners to develop specific strategies for soliciting targeted support for OTIIR initiatives that support translational research, technology commercialization, and startups.
Enable investment opportunities by developing relationships with incubators, accelerators, and investors focused on startups, establishing regular mechanisms for engagement, and facilitating connections and follow‑up actions with innovators and startups.
Conceptualize and implement preferred investor and partner programs targeting relationships with core interest areas aligned with university innovation and startup strengths.
Facilitate corporate partnership opportunities by attending industry conferences and innovation events, organizing partnering activities involving innovators and startups, and managing follow‑up activities.
Work closely with the AVC and other partners to develop strategies for establishing proof‑of‑concept, seed, and venture investment funds targeting university‑associated technologies and startups.
Support internal and external communications activities and initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization and raise the visibility of innovators, technologies, and startups among key audiences.
Represent the unit at campus and community events, develop marketing materials, and create and provide presentations to academic, investor, and business audiences.
Conduct research and analyze trends and opportunities in intellectual property, investment, technology commercialization, and business dynamics to inform engagement with team, partners, innovators, and startups.
Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators for innovation, and new venture resources and industry and investor engagement activities and regularly evaluate metrics for quality improvement.
Perform other duties/special projects as assigned. May lead other lower‑level staff.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field or Business, Business Administration, or related field; and/or advanced degree such as MBA, or in Economics, Finance, Marketing, STEM or related area (preferred).
Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience with program or project management activities, or equivalent education/training. A master’s degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required years of experience.
Experience and deep understanding of faculty and programmatic research interests within the university. Understanding of partnership agreements, patent law, licensing, and commercialization.
Skilled communicator: verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, and advising and counseling skills. Ability to use discretion and respect confidentiality.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, faculty, donors, and industry partners, with an emphasis on collaboration, tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion.
Advanced organizational and project management skills. Ability to lead a team, prioritize personal and team tasks, and see projects through from inception to completion on schedule.
Proficient with Microsoft Suite and advanced knowledge of software applications specific to industry alliance programs. Ability to teach others.
Ability to break down complex concepts and tailor communication to industry partner unique needs and interests.
Knowledge of University of California policies and rules governing intellectual property, equity, licensing, technology transfer, and related conflicts of interest and commitment policies and ethical requirements.
Experience developing business plans, financial models, investment pitches, and business development and fundraising strategies.
Experience working in both academic and corporate environments to provide guidance on and engage in translational research and technology commercialization.
Background Check Background check required.
Policy Statements Email for accommodations: ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy.
Vaccination Program Policy: As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID‑19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or submit a request for Exception or Deferral no later than the applicable deadline.
Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy: University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.
How to Apply To apply, visit the online application portal: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucmEMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=82556&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=25&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Remote/Hybrid eligibility: Local Hybrid. A campus presence is required, and the incumbent will travel throughout the Central Valley and beyond. Applicants from the Northern California Bay Area may be considered provided they plan a regular weekly campus presence.
Initial applicant review and interviews will take place after January 5, 2026.
About UC Merced The University of California, Merced is the newest of the UC system’s 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting‑edge, 21st‑century research institution. It offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. UC Merced is uniquely positioned to provide world‑class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state.
About the Job Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor, the Industry Alliances Specialist 4 (IAS4) manages programs and provides resources to support technology commercialization and the formation of new university‑associated startup companies. The IAS4 serves as a point person with business and technical expertise, engaging directly with innovators and entrepreneurs to facilitate a pathway from research to commercial impact through startup growth and development. The role works closely with campus partners, industry representatives, and investors to develop and implement programs that facilitate funding for translational research and support startups commercializing university technologies. In addition, the IAS4 assists entrepreneurs in developing effective strategies to leverage various sources of funding, including government entities and foundations, to de‑risk and advance the development of foundational technologies.
Key Responsibilities
Cultivate a pipeline of innovators and startups by engaging with diverse groups of university‑associated entrepreneurs, academic departments, labs, and centers, as well as student classes, programs, and clubs, and assessing research and innovation activities for new technology commercialization opportunities.
Identify barriers to new startup formation that exist for university‑associated innovators and entrepreneurs and develop strategies to overcome them.
Manage relationships with portfolio innovators and startups, regularly assessing needs, effectively moving through program workflows, and proactively identifying and solving problems.
Assist entrepreneurs with navigating internal policies and processes relevant to university innovators, startup founders, and executives, including intellectual property, conflicts of interest, commitment, and other compliance aspects.
Develop and manage innovation and entrepreneurship programs and partnerships, organize workshops and events, deliver services, provide business guidance, and facilitate connections to internal and external resources and networks to support the formation and growth of university‑associated startups.
Collaborate with partners to coordinate and support innovation and entrepreneurship programs and activities, including NSF iCorps and Blackstone Launchpad.
Develop and manage mentor and entrepreneur‑in‑residence programs focused on providing dedicated support and strategic guidance to innovators and startups.
Develop educational content, mentor pipeline, and support to capture SBIR/STTR funding.
Work closely with the AVC and other partners to develop specific strategies for soliciting targeted support for OTIIR initiatives that support translational research, technology commercialization, and startups.
Enable investment opportunities by developing relationships with incubators, accelerators, and investors focused on startups, establishing regular mechanisms for engagement, and facilitating connections and follow‑up actions with innovators and startups.
Conceptualize and implement preferred investor and partner programs targeting relationships with core interest areas aligned with university innovation and startup strengths.
Facilitate corporate partnership opportunities by attending industry conferences and innovation events, organizing partnering activities involving innovators and startups, and managing follow‑up activities.
Work closely with the AVC and other partners to develop strategies for establishing proof‑of‑concept, seed, and venture investment funds targeting university‑associated technologies and startups.
Support internal and external communications activities and initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization and raise the visibility of innovators, technologies, and startups among key audiences.
Represent the unit at campus and community events, develop marketing materials, and create and provide presentations to academic, investor, and business audiences.
Conduct research and analyze trends and opportunities in intellectual property, investment, technology commercialization, and business dynamics to inform engagement with team, partners, innovators, and startups.
Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators for innovation, and new venture resources and industry and investor engagement activities and regularly evaluate metrics for quality improvement.
Perform other duties/special projects as assigned. May lead other lower‑level staff.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field or Business, Business Administration, or related field; and/or advanced degree such as MBA, or in Economics, Finance, Marketing, STEM or related area (preferred).
Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience with program or project management activities, or equivalent education/training. A master’s degree is preferred but may not substitute for the required years of experience.
Experience and deep understanding of faculty and programmatic research interests within the university. Understanding of partnership agreements, patent law, licensing, and commercialization.
Skilled communicator: verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, and advising and counseling skills. Ability to use discretion and respect confidentiality.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, faculty, donors, and industry partners, with an emphasis on collaboration, tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion.
Advanced organizational and project management skills. Ability to lead a team, prioritize personal and team tasks, and see projects through from inception to completion on schedule.
Proficient with Microsoft Suite and advanced knowledge of software applications specific to industry alliance programs. Ability to teach others.
Ability to break down complex concepts and tailor communication to industry partner unique needs and interests.
Knowledge of University of California policies and rules governing intellectual property, equity, licensing, technology transfer, and related conflicts of interest and commitment policies and ethical requirements.
Experience developing business plans, financial models, investment pitches, and business development and fundraising strategies.
Experience working in both academic and corporate environments to provide guidance on and engage in translational research and technology commercialization.
Background Check Background check required.
Policy Statements Email for accommodations: ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy.
Vaccination Program Policy: As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID‑19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or submit a request for Exception or Deferral no later than the applicable deadline.
Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy: University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace.
How to Apply To apply, visit the online application portal: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucmEMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=82556&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=25&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant
#J-18808-Ljbffr