University Director of Translational Research, Office of Research at InsideHigherEd

POSITION DETAILS

The City University of New York’s (CUNY) Office of Research (OR) provides leadership to strengthen University-wide research initiatives, capacity and innovation, spanning across its integrated system of 26 colleges and schools. OR supports the research, scholarly, and creative pursuits of over 7,000 full-time and 11,000 part-time faculty, including renowned scholars across nearly every academic field. Through three integrated divisions, OR promotes collaborative and transdisciplinary research innovations, fosters startups and commercialization within and beyond the CUNY community, and ensures adherence to research ethics, compliance and sponsored program administration.

As part of the Office of Academic Affairs at the Central Office, OR’s mission is to design a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem that elevates CUNY’s stature as the nation’s leading public university for diversity, access, and impact. With an operating budget exceeding $10 million and more than $700 million in sponsored research expenditures in FY24, CUNY’s research enterprise continues to expand rapidly, earning national recognition as a powerhouse of discovery, innovation, and public good, with several colleges recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as top-tier research institutions.

Reporting to the University Executive Director for Research and Innovation, the University Director of Translational Research will serve as a primary liaison among CUNY’s innovation teams, faculty researchers, and industrial partners on a diverse array of commercialization and sponsored research opportunities. The University Director will lead the development of innovation strategy, foster industry partnerships while cultivating a creative environment to develop novel ideas. This role plays a critical part in growing CUNY's innovation ecosystem by enabling (IP) generation, bridging discovery and application, advancing the "lab-to-market" process, and accelerating CUNY's innovation and technology commercialization efforts University-wide. The University Director of Translational Research will engage closely with OR’s Technology Commercialization Office (TCO) and Industrial and Applied Research (IAR) group to help grow CUNY's capacity for IP development and protection, faculty entrepreneurship, and technology transfer to industry.

In addition to the position overview, other key duties will include, but not be limited to the following:

• Lead and shape policy, vision, and strategy for CUNY's technology development and lab-to-market initiatives.

• Develop, implement and manage programs that engage college stakeholders at the ideation stage and evaluate promising innovative concepts.

• Curate and implement strategies to identify and connect CUNY researchers in attracting industry funding opportunities and advance their progress through the innovation pipeline.

• Cultivate and sustain trusted, collaborative relationships withCUNY colleges, faculty, andinnovation ecosystem partners to advance shared research and commercialization goals.

• Advise and support CUNYresearchers in developing compellingproposals to advance impactful industry partnerships.

• Collaborate with TCO and IAR teams to developanddeliver training workshops that upskill CUNY researchers in IP generation and lab-to-market process.

• Partner with CUNY communications, marketing, and public/government relations professionals to highlight CUNY innovation and public impact research.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

NOTES:

1. Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

2. Regular travel to CUNY colleges and schools across the five boroughs of New York City to connect with researchers and other innovation stakeholder communities.

3. This role is not responsible for IP related responsibilities listed under CUNY Title Overview. Obtaining and managing intellectual property protections, as well as overseeing their licensing, falls under the responsibility of the Technology Commercialization Office (TCO). The Director will support CUNY inventors in working collaboratively with TCO throughout these processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM

Bachelor's degree and eight years' directly related experience required.

PREFERRED

• Advanced degree in a scientific or engineering discipline is strongly preferred.

• Experience with intellectual property and patent law is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing systemic innovation and entrepreneurship programs and functions within a higher education or research environment.

• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with:-IP generation, protection, and technology commercialization laws, regulations, and standards in higher education.-Stakeholder relationship development and management best practices for both internal and external innovation stakeholders.-Emerging tools, trends, sector-wide conversations, and developments in technology transfer, innovation and commercialization.-Identifying and evaluating commercialization opportunities with high-impact IP and return-on-investment.-Engaging with industry, venture capital, and other potential investors.-Establishing a strong network of industry contacts across relevant sectors.-Designing and delivering training on technology ideation, IP generation, and/or technology commercialization process.

• Experience building or scaling a new program or function.

• Progressive experience in corporate engagement, business development, research administration, ideally with direct experience in university-industry collaborations.

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, administrative, financial, and/or academic programs, systems, and databases.

• Exemplary organizational and project management skills to develop objectives, set and adapt to changing priorities, manage competing demands/changes and meet deadlines.

• Proactive, flexible, and collaborative work style with strong interpersonal communication, presentation, and negotiation skills to forge successful relationships with diverse faculty, staff, and external partners.

• Detail-oriented and precise with strong research, writing, and analytical skills, plus ability to thrive in a demanding, multi-faceted, time-sensitive office.

• Demonstrated commitment to public service, service excellence, inclusion, equity, ethics, confidentiality and integrity.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Supports Intellectual Property protection, technology transfer, and commercialization of the University's academic/scholarly research, innovations, and inventions.

• Identifies and evaluates the commercial potential of University research and technology, partnering with faculty, government agencies and industry

• Fosters relationships with business and industry partners

• Obtains and enforces appropriate patent and trademark protections for new products, maintaining the confidentiality of product processes and technologies

• Participates in the promotion, protection, copyrighting, patenting, and licensing of inventions, and ensures commercialization activities benefit the University

• Manages a portfolio of research, technologies, and/or inventions for a specific scientific development area

• Performs related duties as assigned.

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $122,201 - $131,440 commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

Salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 3.5% effective 9/1/26, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, submit a cover letter and resume online via CUNY's web-based job system, addressing how your experience and credentials meet the responsibilities and qualifications outlined.

The direct link to the job opening from external sources is:

https://hrsa.cunyfirst.cuny.edu/psc/erecruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMSCG/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=31002&PostingSeq=1

Current CUNY employees must apply through CUNYfirst Employee Self Service using their login credentials. After you login, click the Careers tile on the Employee Self Service Menu page to view job openings.

CLOSING DATE

Open until filled.

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.