Associate Director, Deep Tech Incubation Programs Position Information Position Title: Associate Director, Deep Tech Incubation Programs Department: Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships Posting Link: https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/61933 Job Type: Full-Time Posting Detail Information Position Summary UB Business and Entrepreneur Partnerships (BEP) is seeking an Associate Director, Deep Tech Incubation Programs to support and help lead the University at Buffalo’s growing portfolio of deep tech innovation and venture development programs. Reporting to the Director of Innovation Initiatives, this position will oversee the coordination, management, and continued development of UB’s deep tech incubation and research translation programming, including NSF I-Corps, the Buffalo Innovation Accelerator Fund, and other initiatives that support UB spinout companies and regional deep tech startups. This role will play a central part in advancing UB’s innovation ecosystem by building strong pathways for translating university research into startup ventures, commercial partnerships, and broader economic impact. The position will work closely with faculty innovators, startup founders, BEP leadership, mentors, investors, and external partners to strengthen support for high-potential deep tech ventures across sectors such as materials, energy, AI, health, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging technology domains. The ideal candidate will be able to translate complex scientific and engineering innovations into commercially viable opportunities, brings significant prior research, engineering, or technical domain experience and is comfortable operating within early-stage, high-uncertainty technology environments typical of university-based innovation. Key ResponsibilitiesDeep Tech Incubation Program Leadership & Management Oversee day-to-day management and continued development of UB’s deep-tech incubation programs and related venture support initiatives. Support the coordination and implementation of key programs including NSF I-Corps, the Buffalo Innovation Accelerator Fund, and other programs supporting UB spinouts and regional deep tech startups. Support and refine program structures, workflows, and operating procedures that support deep tech venture formation, validation, and growth. Manage program timelines, communications, application/review processes, mentor engagement, and stakeholder coordination across multiple initiatives. Venture Development & Research Translation Support Coordinate with other BEP and UB units, including the Technology Transfer Office and industry-facing centers, to support the commercialization of UB technologies. Support UB faculty, researchers, founders, and startup teams in navigating early-stage commercialization, customer discovery, venture development, and ecosystem connections. Help guide inventor and startup teams toward appropriate resources related to technical validation, commercialization planning, mentorship, non-dilutive funding, and investment readiness. Coordinate workshops, training, and engagement opportunities that strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities and support commercialization outcomes. Ecosystem Building & Strategic Partnerships Build and maintain relationships with regional and external partners including incubators, accelerators, investors, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, service providers, and economic development organizations. Strengthen linkages between UB innovation programs and the broader Western New York and Upstate New York startup ecosystem. Represent UB’s innovation and incubation efforts at regional and national events, meetings, and strategic convenings. Help position UB as a leading university partner for deep-tech venture creation and innovation-driven economic development. Strategic Initiatives, Evaluation & Program Growth Support the Director of Innovation Initiatives in advancing strategic priorities related to deep-tech incubation, venture support, and innovation programming. Contribute to the development of new initiatives, partnerships, proposals, and funding opportunities that expand support for UB and regional startups. Oversee tracking of participation, venture progress, milestones, and program outcomes. Support reporting, communications, and impact measurement for internal leadership, sponsors, and external stakeholders. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Please visit our Careers page. Outstanding Benefits PackageWorking at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit - all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. Visit our benefits website to learn about our benefit packages. About UBThe University at Buffalo is SUNY’s most comprehensive public research university, and an outstanding place to work. UB amplifies ambition for faculty and staff by offering endless possibilities to achieve more. Here, people from all backgrounds and cultures challenge and inspire each other to discover, learn and succeed. Dedicated staff and engaged faculty collaborate to further knowledge and understanding, and develop tenacious graduates who are valued for their talents and their impact on global society. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo. As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, the Research Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and veteran or disability status. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a relevant STEM or business field, with 5 years of technology transfer or technology commercialization experience. Demonstrated experience working with faculty, researchers, students, and startup founders to advance commercialization, venture formation, or technology translation activities. Working knowledge of university technology transfer, invention disclosure, intellectual property, licensing, and startup formation processes. Experience managing complex programs or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders, including researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, mentors, industry partners, and external collaborators. Demonstrated ability to understand, evaluate, and communicate complex scientific or engineering concepts in the context of commercialization, venture development, or applied research. Proficiency with standard productivity and collaboration platforms such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting tools. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in a relevant STEM, innovation, or engineering discipline; MBA or additional business training a plus. Experience with the National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps program, preferably as an instructor. Experience managing grant-funded or sponsored innovation programs. Experience with commercialization training or innovation curriculum development. Prior hands-on experience in academic STEM research, applied R&D, or engineering environments, particularly in deep-tech sectors. Established network of investors and strategic partners who can provide mentoring, technical validation support, business guidance, investment connections, or commercialization resources. Physical Demands Salary Range $120,000 - $135,000 Special Instructions Summary Is a background check required for this posting? No Contact Information Contact's Name: Olga Petrova Contact's Pronouns: Contact's Title: Director of Innovation Initiatives Contact's Email: [email protected] Contact's Phone: 716-645-8135 Posting Dates Posted: 04/08/2026 Deadline for Applicants: Open Until Filled Date to be filled: jeid-3f1ed78419ca4a4ab8a4191d1fe281db