Senior Associate Director, Venture Development

Trustees of University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania seeks a Senior Associate Director for PCI Ventures who will act as the scientific and entrepreneurial lead. You will oversee commercialization advisors and work with Penn faculty to evaluate high-potential technologies, shaping strategies and milestone-driven plans for company formation and growth.

You will lead front-end triage, set expectations for venture-building rigor, and coordinate with Penn's I-Corps when customer discovery is needed. 

Qualifications

• Masters degree and 5-7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• PhD strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop scientific and commercial strategies with faculty to evaluate technologies and define milestone plans.
• Directly supervise senior commercialization advisors, coach project work, and ensure quality.
• Develop and maintain PCI Ventures' commercialization frameworks, playbooks, and review processes.
• Hold office hours for early teams and coordinate with Penn I-Corps for customer discovery.
• Step into projects during transitions or workload gaps to provide senior support.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

The University of Pennsylvania seeks a Senior Associate Director for PCI Ventures who will act as the scientific and entrepreneurial lead. You will oversee commercialization advisors and work with Penn faculty to evaluate high-potential technologies, shaping strategies and milestone-driven plans for company formation and growth.

You will lead front-end triage, set expectations for venture-building rigor, and coordinate with Penn's I-Corps when customer discovery is needed.