(Hybrid) Director of Innovation - Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Director of Innovation.

About the Opportunity

The Director of Innovation is a senior leadership position translating scientific research and innovation into scalable, patient-impacting products, services, and companies. The Director of Innovation oversees the IP portfolio across research and innovation assets at the RNI and RNI-A, oversees contracting with external partners, develops regulatory strategies for commercialization, manages day-to-day operations for translational research to facilitate commercialization, business plans, budgets, and KPIs for key projects.
Collaborates closely with: RNI AVP for Strategy & External Partnerships, RNI-A Product Development Executive, Executive Director of Research Operations and Research teams across relevant areas.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
* 37.5-hour work week
* 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
* 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
* 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
* WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
* 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
* Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Develop and Manage the Comprehensive IP Portfolio for RNI and RNI-A
* Lead strategy development, evaluation, maturation, and commercialization of RNI intellectual property across medical devices, focused ultrasound technologies, digital health platforms, and related innovations.

Oversee Contracting with External Partners
* Lead contracting for co-development, sponsored research, pilot programs, and commercialization agreements.
* Participate in partnership negotiations, oversee deliverables, and maintain long-term strategic relationships that accelerate market adoption and patient access.
* Support relationships with NIH, ARPA-H, DARPA, DoD, federal, state, and local agencies supporting RNI programs.

Develop Regulatory Strategies for Commercialization
* Work closely with legal, regulatory, scientific, and technical leads to develop appropriate regulatory strategies for key projects.

Day-to-Day Operations for Translational Research to Facilitate Commercialization
* In collaboration with unit leadership, supports day-to-day operations of RNI's translational commercialization clinical research and RNI-A's commercialization opportunities, including budgeting, financial oversight, project management and execution, and company formation activities.
* Establish and maintain operational infrastructure, including accounting, financial reporting, internal processes, and operations.
* Manage KPIs, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to monitor clinical, operational, and financial performance.
* Work with internal and external legal counsel to manage contracts, licensing, regulatory documentation, and IP prosecution.

Business Development
* Identify, analyze, and prioritize new business opportunities based on scientific merit, market need, regulatory pathway, reimbursement potential, and financial viability.
* Develop business plans, commercialization strategies, financial models, and execution roadmaps for spin-out companies' initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., biomedical science, neuroscience, biology, chemistry, physics, or related field).

• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive leadership experience in medical device, biotech, neurotechnology, digital health, or related industries.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated success in technology commercialization, company formation, and strategic partnerships.
• Extensive experience in clinical development, regulatory strategy, quality systems, and FDA interactions.
• Strong background in intellectual property strategy and management.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage complex programs, and execute in fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's, or Doctoral degree preferred.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.