Commercialization Manager

Commercialization Manager

Work Location: Lexington, KY | Grade Level: 47 | Salary Range: $57,158-$94,286 per year | Type: Staff | Position Time Status: Full Time | Required Education: MA | Shift: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Job Summary

This dual role, split 50/50, serves as a Commercialization Manager for the Office of Technology Commercialization and as a Project Manager for the NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization (REACH) Hub. The CM leads market, patent, and technical research for drug discovery and development technologies, identifies partnership targets, advises startups on commercialization strategy, and negotiates licensing agreements. The PM runs the MidSouth REACH Hub UK component, coordinating product development grants, stakeholder relationships, metrics, and educational programs.
Responsibilities

Develop and refine commercialization plans for assigned technology areas.
Collaborate with innovators to develop strategies for commercialization and product‑market fit.
Identify and pursue partnership targets and market feedback for commercialization opportunities.
Advise UK startups on early‑stage technology development, business formation, SBIR and other funding and partnership opportunities.
Coordinate with contractors and IP teams to negotiate licensing and protect UK IP assets.
Assist in day‑to‑day operations of the REACH Program and UK component of the MidSouth Hub.
Manage product‑development grants, educational programs, stakeholder relationships, and marketing/business development efforts.
Collect and analyze UK‑related hub metrics and coordinate with other PMs for overall hub metrics analysis.
Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of experience in business development or related field.
Preferred: MBA/MPA or Master’s in life sciences, physical sciences, engineering, or equivalent; experience in entrepreneurship, talent recruiting, sales, or technology transfer offices.
Strong communication skills and ability to work with TTOs across the US.
Self‑starter, accountable, and able to work in a remote setting with proactive outreach.
Preferred Education / Experience

5+ years of business development success, demonstrating entrepreneurship and stakeholder engagement. Understanding of best practices in interacting with academic institutions.
Benefits

Graduate‑level salary range of $57,158-$94,286 per year.
EEO Statement

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

#J-18808-Ljbffr