Business Development Associate
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard University Central Administration?
Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.
About the Harvard Office of Technology Development: The Office of Technology Development (OTD) is part of Harvard University's Central Administration. OTD fulfills the University’s commitment to translate technologies developed in Harvard labs for the public good and to establish corporate partnerships that advance research towards commercial impact.
Job Description
Under the guidance and supervision of the senior members of the Business Development team in the OTD Physical Sciences Group, this position will support OTD’s core mission to 1) commercialize technologies emerging from Harvard labs and 2) secure funding from corporate sources to advance research. This will entail the evaluation of a wide range of technologies in engineering and the applied and physical sciences within the context of industry needs, potential use cases, and market applications. It will also entail developing a strong technical understanding of research areas being pursued in Harvard labs to identify potential corporate funding sources.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
The primary activities of this position include:
- Support the OTD Business Development team in managing a portfolio of time-sensitive projects, including finalizing agreements, assessing technologies, and performing market analyses.
- Develop a strong technical understanding of technologies emerging from Harvard labs by reviewing invention disclosures arising from research conducted by faculty.
- Assess the commercial potential and competitive environment of disclosed technologies; prepare and draft technology profiles for marketing purposes.
- Perform due diligence and market research to identify potential licensees and industry funding partners.
- Develop innovative strategies for the development and commercialization of Harvard technologies.
- Assist the business development and the patents team in the analysis of Harvard IP.
- Work closely with OTD’s Technology Transactions team in the general execution of agreements; and negotiate options, confidentiality, and inter-institutional agreements, and - with time - industry-sponsored research, non-exclusive licenses, and collaboration agreements.
- The position will interact with researchers and business development representatives from peer institutions and industry, as appropriate, other duties as needed.
Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Advanced Degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in relevant fields of Physical Sciences (Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science).
Two years of scientific training and/or experience in developing, marketing, and commercialization of technologies.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Aptitude for understanding life sciences problems that can be addressed by technologies in the applied, physical sciences, and engineering disciplines. Startup experience a plus. Preference is given to those with experience in developing, marketing, and commercializing technologies, as well as experience with reading complex and sensitive sponsored research and license agreements. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, adept with information gathering, database management, and the ability to prioritize tasks. Ability to select, set, and meet appropriate goals from among competing demands and work independently within a team environment. Ability to produce polished written documents, demonstrate analytical skills, and creative problem-solving.
Additional Information
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings:Identity and Education
- Other Information:
- This is a 3-year term appointment.
- This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
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Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.