Commercialization Specialist

The Office of Research, Economic Development and Engagement ( REDE) is charged with leading research, economic development, and community engagement for East Carolina University. REDE is responsible for research integrity and compliance, administration, and development activities to grow extramurally sponsored activities across ECU. In addition, REDE leads technology transfer, innovation, economic and community engagement initiatives including partnerships with public sector agencies, industry, military, and other organizations. The following offices are part of REDE: Research Administration and Compliance, Engaged Research, Research Development, Continuing and Professional Education, Postdoctoral Affairs, Undergraduate Research, Research and Innovation Campus Development, Licensing and Commercialization, National Security and Industry Initiatives, Research Integrity and Compliance, Compliance Monitoring, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, the University and Medical Center Institutional Review Board, and the Small Business and Technology Development Center.

The East Carolina University Office of Licensing and Commercialization has the goal of translating early-stage innovations into impact through research, entrepreneurship, and commercialization. The Commercialization Specialist will be responsible for reviewing and assessing innovations within the ECU commercialization portfolio for commercialization potential and grant support through NC Innovation, NC Biotechnology Center, and other commercialization grant opportunities.

This includes business development risk assessment, intellectual property strategy, proof of concept milestone development, time to market analysis, and impact. This position is open to individuals who have knowledge of, and experience in, invention and innovation processes, technology transfer, business development, entrepreneurism, and have a willingness to use these skills to enhance university commercialization activities related to faculty research discoveries.

Experiential Activities (60%) Learning policies, procedures and regulations concerning technology transfer practices and intellectual property protection. Assessing innovations for marketability and intellectual property protection. Developing business strategies to advance novel research discoveries. Conducting customer interviews to confirm market need.
Innovation Acceleration Activities (30%) Identifying consultants, contract research organizations and/or third parties that can assist in translating innovations. Managing access to Licensing & Commercialization equipment and/or resources. Providing review of commercialization grant proposals.
Data Management Activities (10%) Entering and tracking updates to invention. The Commercialization Specialist is expected to demonstrate compliance with established federal, state, and university guidelines and regulatory standards for research including biosafety, responsible conduct of research and human subjects training.

Contingent upon availability of funds.

Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

None

Experience in academic technology transfer, entrepreneurship, grant writing, and/or industry business development experience; Ability to maintain confidentiality; Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; Proficient in Microsoft Office and other commonly used software/database products.

East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer who is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care, belonging and opportunity for our faculty, staff and learners and all stakeholders. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.