MTRAC Advanced Computing Hub Commercialization Program Director, Division of Research, Part-Time

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced MTRAC Advanced Computing Hub Commercialization Program Director, Division of Research, Part-Time at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

The MTRAC Advanced Computing Hub Commercialization Program Director is a part-time position that provides strategic and operational leadership for the Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Program at Wayne State University. The position is responsible for administering the statewide innovation hub, managing the funding and commercialization pipeline, cultivating partnerships across Michigan’s research and entrepreneurial ecosystem, and accelerating the translation of advanced computing technologies from university laboratories into startup companies, licensed technologies, and market ready products. The Program Director serves as a liaison among faculty innovators, investors, industry partners, mentors, oversight committee members, and state funding agencies while ensuring achievement of programmatic, financial, and economic development objectives. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President, Technology Commercialization.

 

Essential Functions:

 

Program Leadership & Strategic Management

 

Lead the overall strategy, implementation, and continuous improvement of the MTRAC Innovation Hub.

 

Develop annual operating plans, funding cycles, timelines, performance metrics, and commercialization objectives.

 

Ensure alignment of program activities with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), MTRAC, and university priorities.

 

Monitor program outcomes and implement strategies to maximize startup creation, licensing, follow-on funding, and economic impact.

 

Provide leadership to project teams, researchers, mentors, and commercialization stakeholders.

 

Commercialization & Portfolio Development

 

Advise faculty, researchers, and project teams on commercialization strategies, market validation, customer discovery, startup formation, licensing, and funding pathways.

 

Assist project teams in developing commercialization plans, milestone-driven project roadmaps, and investor-ready materials.

 

Monitor project progress, evaluate milestone achievement, and recommend funding decisions.

 

Identify commercialization barriers and connect teams with appropriate resources and subject matter experts.

 

Facilitate access to translational research funding, risk assessment services, and entrepreneurial support programs.

 

Ecosystem Development, Partnerships & Investor Engagement

Develop and maintain relationships with venture capital firms, angel investors, industry partners, accelerators, SmartZones, economic development organizations, and statewide innovation programs.

 

Recruit and manage mentors, coaches, oversight committee members, and external advisors.

 

Facilitate strategic introductions and networking opportunities for awardees.

 

Represent the Wayne State University MTRAC program at conferences, industry events, investor meetings, and ecosystem gatherings throughout Michigan and nationally.

 

Expand statewide participation and collaboration among universities, research institutions, and commercialization organizations.

 

Proposal Management & Oversight Committee Administration

 

Develop and administer funding solicitations, proposal review processes, and project selection activities.

Coordinate Letters of Intent, full proposal submissions, oral presentations, and award recommendations.

Organize and facilitate Oversight Committee meetings and project reviews.

Prepare project evaluations, funding recommendations, and progress reports for stakeholders.

Ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance throughout the award review and selection process.

 

Reporting, Compliance & Financial Oversight

 

Ensure compliance with all program requirements, funding agreements, university policies, and sponsor expectations.

 

Oversee collection and reporting of economic impact metrics, including startups, licenses, jobs created, follow-on funding, and commercialization outcomes.

 

Work collaboratively with administrative staff to monitor budgets, expenditures, matching funds, reimbursements, and project accounting.

 

Prepare periodic reports, presentations, and performance updates for MEDC, the Technology Commercialization team, university leadership, and other stakeholders.

 

Support audits, program reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

 

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:   Master’s degree

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field with significant experience in technology commercialization, innovation management, or research translation.

Experience   Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years’ experience).

Required:

 

Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible experience in technology commercialization, innovation management, venture development, startup acceleration, economic development, technology transfer, research administration, or a related field.

 

Experience managing complex programs involving multiple stakeholders and external partners.

 

Experience evaluating early-stage technologies and commercialization opportunities.

 

Experience working with faculty researchers, startups, entrepreneurs, investors, or corporate innovation partners.

 

Demonstrated experience managing budgets, grants, contracts, or sponsored programs.

 

Experience

Preferred:

 

Experience administering translational research funding programs such as Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC), National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps), National Science Foundation Accelerating Research Translation (NSF ART), Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Economic Development Administration (EDA), or similar initiatives.

 

Experience founding, leading, investing in, advising, or scaling startup companies.

 

Experience working within a university technology transfer or innovation ecosystem.

 

Established network within Michigan's entrepreneurial, investment, and economic development communities.

 

Experience supporting venture capital fundraising, angel investment, licensing transactions, or startup formation. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

 

Technology commercialization and innovation ecosystem practices.

 

Startup formation, venture development, and entrepreneurial support programs.

 

Intellectual property, licensing, and technology transfer principles.

 

Translational research funding mechanisms and commercialization pathways.

 

Economic development and university-industry partnership models.

 

State and federal funding programs supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Skills:

 

Strategic planning and program management.

 

Business development and relationship management.

 

Proposal review and portfolio evaluation.

 

Financial management and budget oversight.

 

Public speaking, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement.

 

Data analysis, performance measurement, and reporting.

 

Project management and organizational leadership

 

Abilities:

 

Build productive relationships across academia, industry, government, and investment communities.

 

Evaluate emerging technologies and assess commercial potential.

 

Influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders without direct authority.

 

Manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously.

 

Translate technical concepts into business and commercialization opportunities.

 

Exercise sound judgment in funding, commercialization, and strategic decisions.

 

Work independently while fostering collaboration and teamwork.

 

Travel throughout Michigan and nationally to support program objectives and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience administering translational research funding programs such as Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC), National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (NSF I-Corps), National Science Foundation Accelerating Research Translation (NSF ART), Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Economic Development Administration (EDA), or similar initiatives. Experience founding, leading, investing in, advising, or scaling startup companies. Experience working within a university technology transfer or innovation ecosystem. Established network within Michigan's entrepreneurial, investment, and economic development communities. Experience supporting venture capital fundraising, angel investment, licensing transactions, or startup formation.

School/College/Division:

The Division of Research & Innovation

Primary Department:

H0905 - VP Research

Employment Type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Fractional Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Hourly rate:

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment.

Occasional travel is required.

Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.