Director of Faculty Engagement and Education (IP MGR 1)

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Reporting to the Chief Ventures Officer (CVO) and serving within the UC Davis Health Ventures (Health Ventures) within the Innovation and Economic Development Office, the Director of Faculty Engagement and Education will create and lead teams and programs primarily supporting the research translation of health sciences faculty of UC Davis. The Director is responsible for creating and maintaining the vision, energy, and leadership for inspiring and educating the UC Davis Health (UCDH) campus to engage research of impact through commercial translation, as the institution pursues further advancement within the ranks of America's top health care systems.

The Director of Faculty Engagement and Education works in close collaboration with the UC Davis Technology Transfer Office (TTO) within the Office of Research to lead faculty outreach initiatives to build relationships and make connections with faculty to activate more translational research in areas of strategic growth including cell and gene therapy, neuroscience, and other key areas. Important priorities include:

1. Developing and implementing a proactive faculty outreach plan to inspire, educate, and activate faculty in appreciating the impact of commercializing their research,
2. Building a baseline for measuring and then maintaining high faculty knowledge of commercialization and the commercialization support systems across the campus and the region through direct faculty outreach and engagement,
3. Developing or in-licensing health sciences specific commercial translation education programming such as benchtop-to-bedside, therapeutics innovation, and pathways for other regulated products, and
4. Contributing effectively to collaborating with the overall UC Davis and UC Davis Health ecosystem of faculty education and engagement stakeholders.

The education programming will foster a world-class learning culture around technology commercialization with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaborations to drive societal impact and economic development. The Director will inventory and harness campus commercialization related knowledge, expertise, and resources to help further activate and expand the commercialization ecosystem. The Director will also be responsible for identifying training needs, developing education materials, and overseeing educational delivery for health sciences faculty of UC Davis. In collaboration with campus stakeholders such as UC Davis Venture Catalyst and the UC Davis Technology Transfer Office, the Director will help to support faculty engagement and education of IP/Know-how and overall entrepreneurship through the innovation of therapies, devices, diagnostics, and business solutions that will support the charge to generate "non-traditional" income. The Director will also build and lead the Health Ventures Commercial Translation Architect (CTA) program to grow and scale faculty outreach. The Commercial Translation Architects will be responsible for enhancing the licensing pipeline of records of invention through strategic and proactive outreach with faculty across campus in coordination/consultation with the Office of Research's Technology Transfer Office. This proactive outreach involves initiating discussions with faculty about their research and assisting faculty with the necessary steps to draft and submit actionable invention disclosures to the Technology Transfer Office. Together with the CVO, the Director works particularly closely with the other business units of the UC Davis Health Strategy & Growth office, School of Medicine's Vice Dean for Research, and closely with Finance and IT leadership at both UC Davis Health and the UC Davis Campuses to create the faculty engagement and education infrastructure of UC Davis Health Ventures.

Apply By Date

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:59p Pacific; screening and selection can begin any time

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science or other related discipline that's relevant to human health innovation.
• Extensive early-stage commercial translation experience, including significant direct participation in health sciences product development or product development support such as marketing or business development. This experience must include the educational aspects of commercial translation in regulated product markets such as cell and gene therapy, other biotherapeutics, medical devices, molecular diagnostics, or related.
• Significant experience in or with healthcare or academic medical centers.
• Proven success in working with faculty or industry researchers to help conceive of products spawning from the research. Demonstrated knowledge of medical and life sciences and engineering disciplines.
• Proven record in implementing faculty training programs related to commercial translation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills evidenced through relationship management, networking, and team building. Ability to maintain confidentiality; exhibit highest ethics and integrity.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of medical and university research and intellectual property practices and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a similarly relevant discipline.
• Experience in higher education or similar environments where collaboration, team building, inclusiveness, and working cooperatively are highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

Faculty Engagement in Commercial Translation (60%)

As the Health Ventures employee responsible for leading the activation and education of health sciences faculty of UC Davis, the Director of Faculty Engagement and Education will: Actively work with faculty and relevant campus collaborators such as the Office of Research Technology Transfer Office to measure and maintain, high faculty engagement with the supporting offices related to invention disclosure development and submission in strategic, thematic areas such as cell & gene therapy, neuroscience, and other. Increase the quantity of high-quality records of invention to the Technology Transfer Office related to strategic translational research areas. Build and lead a team of full- and part-time Commercial Translation Architects (CTAs) and a Faculty Engagement Specialist to scale the faculty outreach for invention disclosure submission. These CTAs will be early career scientists already in a commercial setting or be UCD/UCDH graduate students or postdocs that are authorized and approved for percent effort on this activity. Contribute to the campus-wide infrastructure and collaborations aimed at faculty engagement and education.

Faculty Education in Commercial Translation (40%)

Help to inform and activate the academic community around technology commercialization in the early stages of innovation with particular focus on product and services innovation in the strategic areas of thematic focus. Participate in efforts to enhance medical and healthcare entrepreneurship knowledge at UC Davis Health and throughout the city, region, state, and nation. Develop and support visionary faculty education initiatives that develop and connect signature research and technology areas with knowledge in commercial translation.

Goals for First Year and Beyond (0%)

1. Strategically and proactively engage faculty across campus in the thematic areas to inventory the translational work, opportunities for translational growth, and increasing the number of records of invention.

2. Partner with existing UC Davis stakeholders (such as the Office of Research, Technology Transfer Office, Venture Catalyst, and others) to develop and build a world-class, well-respected, value-added UC Davis health sciences faculty engagement and education team. Utilize networks of external professional service providers and resources to augment internal faculty engagement and education capabilities.

3. Produce education, training, and promotion programs to advance the knowledge and understanding of commercial translation, to promote invention disclosures by UCDH personnel, and expand faculty knowledge and engagement with technology transfer matters by the members of the UCDH faculty community.

4. Recommend new educational content as needs evolve and work with health sciences units to customize content.

5. Track progress to learning objectives.

Department Overview

UC Davis Health Ventures is the human health innovation and commercialization hub within the Innovation and Economic Development Office. Based at Aggie Square, it connects researchers, clinicians, investors and industry partners to accelerate the development of human health-focused discoveries into market ready solutions. Health Ventures oversees a collaborative network supporting translational funding programs, industry partnerships, intellectual property commercialization and operates a dedicated Health Venture Studio and Fund. By fostering collaboration across campus and the Sacramento region, it helps advance breakthrough technologies from the lab to the real world.

Position Information

• Full Salary Grade Range: $122,300.00 - $259,900.00
• Salary Frequency: Annual
• Salary Grade: Grade 27
• UC Job Title: IP MGR 1
• UC Job Code: 000371
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 8-5
• Location: Aggie Square (AGGSQ)
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Able to be flexible and comfortable managing sensitive and complex matters in an environment of constant change.

Special Requirements

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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