Assistant Director of Business Development

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page here for further information.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Director of Business Development, Life Sciences, the Assistant  Director (AD) of Business Development serves as a key operational lead in advancing Brown University’s mission to commercialize internal technologies. The AD is responsible for the hands-on management of a complex portfolio of life science technologies. The AD independently performs complex work requiring significant judgment to identify key barriers to commercialization and apply advanced knowledge to resolve them. This role is not merely supportive but is accountable for ensuring that specific goals, objectives, and all work within their assigned pipeline are accomplished. Core Responsibilities include:

• Technology Sourcing and Discovery: Proactively engages with the research community to identify and evaluate emerging technologies and high-potential inventions.

• Faculty Business Partnership: Acts as a dedicated consultant to faculty and researchers, providing strategic guidance on commercialization pathways.

• IP Portfolio Management and Prosecution: Oversees the end-to-end IP filing and prosecution process, including managing relationships with external patent counsel, reviewing legal filings for technical accuracy, and ensuring that the patent strategy aligns with the broader commercialization roadmap

• Strategic Portfolio Prioritization: Evaluates commercialization opportunities within assigned portfolio to maximize impact

• Marketing, Outreach and Deal Execution: Identifies and cultivates relationships with potential licensees, industry partners, and venture capitalists to drive engagement and awareness.  Negotiate agreements that protect the institution’s interests while fostering innovation.

Education and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical field (Life Science or Biomedical Engineering, etc.) required. An advanced degree (Ph.D., Master’s, MBA, or JD) is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of related experience in academic research, business development or technology commercialization.
• Experience working in or with academic institutions and/or medical centers is a plus.

Job Competencies

• Knowledge: Experience with the practices and processes related to technology transfer and intellectual property.
• Problem Solving: Ability to resolve a wide range of complex, multi-stakeholder issues in creative ways and work collaboratively to make decisions in ambiguous situations.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work cross-functionally across departments and influence others to reach agreement.
• Communication: Advanced written and verbal communication skills to convey technical and financial data to diverse constituencies.
• This role is hybrid with an expectation of a minimum of 2-3 days per week in the office

Applicants are asked to include a resume and cover letter with their application. 

As this is a hybrid role, the employee will be expected to be in the office 3-4 days/week.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.  

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.