West Virginia University · 4 days ago
(Hybrid) Director of Innovation - Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
Morgantown, WV
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
8+ years expWest Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Director of Innovation at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. The Director of Innovation is responsible for translating scientific research into scalable products and services, overseeing the IP portfolio, and managing operations for translational research to facilitate commercialization.
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Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Master's, or Doctoral degree preferred
Benefits
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
Company
West Virginia University
West Virginia University offers academic programs in order to earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
West Virginia University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (247)
2024 (108)
2023 (115)
2022 (108)
2021 (72)
2020 (53)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$20.97MKey Investors
National Institute of Nursing ResearchU.S. Department of AgricultureU.S. Department of Commerce
2025-02-01Grant· $2.7M
2024-10-29Grant· $7.82M
2024-09-17Grant· $0.72M
Leadership Team
Lori Hazlehurst
Professor Pharmaceutical Sciences
Michael Benson
President and Professor of History
Recent News
2025-12-12
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