Vice President, UT Research Foundation

The UT Research Foundation (UTRF) invites applications for a Vice President located on the campus of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis.

The University of Tennessee Research Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the commercialization of UT intellectual property, encourages an entrepreneurial culture, contributes to state and regional economic development, and promotes research and education to benefit the people of Tennessee and beyond. While UTRF is a separate entity from UT, it provides assistance and resources to the research activities of faculty, staff and students of the UT system (including campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin, and Pulaski, the Health Science Center in Memphis, the state-wide Institute of Agriculture, the UT Space Institute in Tullahoma, and the UT Institute of Public Service). UTRF works to help move ideas to the marketplace.

Reporting directly to the President of the UT Research Foundation, the Vice President is responsible for managing the office and ensuring that UTRF operations perform to the level and direction expected by the UTRF President and the University of Tennessee. Operational responsibilities for the Vice President include setting and managing the office budget, measuring and reporting staff performance, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, and building strong external community relationships to increase commercialization.

A Master’s degree in Life Science, Biotechnology or a related field is required. A Ph.D. or terminal degree is preferred.

5+ years of experience in technology transfer or business development with the demonstrated ability to establish commercial partnerships is required. 8+ years is preferred. Supervisory experience is also preferred.

Additional qualifications include:

Excellent written and oral communication skills

A firm understanding of academic research environments

The ability to manage a team, including setting individual and team goals, and conducting performance evaluations

Skill in managing an IP portfolio, including especially complex and/or sensitive cases

Application Process

For full consideration, candidates should apply electronically using the link below with a cover letter addressing their interest in and qualifications for the role,  resume, and list of professional references.

https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_system/jobdetail.ftl?job=22000000S8 

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.