Director Textile Research And Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Supervisor: Executive Director, KCV

Program Areas: KCV EDGE & Licensing and New Ventures Team

About KSTC: Since its founding in 1987, the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) has been a pioneering force in driving science, technology, and innovative economic development throughout Kentucky.

Vision and Mission: We envision a future where Kentucky is recognized as a national and international leader, ranks among the top half of states in innovation-driven economic development, and where KSTC is recognized among its peers as setting the benchmark for others to follow. With this vision in mind, our mission is clear: We cultivate knowledge, talent, and investment to propel the state's growth and competitiveness on a national and global scale.

Position Summary

Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) is seeking a Research Development & Commercialization Coordinator to support partner universities across Kentucky in strengthening research capacity, improving grant competitiveness, and advancing innovation and commercialization outcomes.

This is a unique, multi-institution support role working at the intersection of research development, proposal support, and technology commercialization. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and problem-solver who can translate complex funding opportunities into clear, actionable guidance while building relationships across varied academic environments. Our team is looking for someone who can think visually, review and produce accessible content, in an environment that fosters positive relationships.

Why This Role Matters

Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV) is a program under the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) aimed at driving innovation and economic development through the commercialization of research and technology. KCV empowers ideas that impact lives - by collaborating with higher education institutions across Kentucky to transform research ideas into market-ready products and startups, enhancing the state's innovation ecosystem and entrepreneurial capacity.

You will help faculty navigate funding opportunities, build competitive proposals, and connect research to real-world impact, especially in institutions where resources are limited but potential is high.

This position will work under the direction of the Associate Director of Research Enterprise, while formally reporting to the Executive Director of KCV. The role will collaborate closely with research administrative personnel to strengthen funding and grant management capacity.

What You'll Do

Support Proposal Development

• Identify and interpret funding opportunities (e.g., NSF, NIH, EPSCoR, INBRE, State, Foundation, etc.)
• Translate solicitations into clear guidance for faculty and researchers
• Assist with early-stage proposal development, including concept alignment, timelines, and non-technical components
• Develop templates, checklists, and reusable resources to support proposal success Help reduce barriers by simplifying complex application requirements

Engage Faculty & Build Research Capacity

• Conduct outreach to faculty, researchers, and students across partner institutions
• Identify researchers with strong funding and/or commercialization potential
• Support early-career faculty and emerging research programs
• Build relationships that increase participation in research and innovation activities

Connect Research to Commercialization

• Identify research with commercialization potential and connect to KCV programs
• Support development of a pipeline of faculty, technologies, and innovation opportunities
• Assist with preparation for stakeholder engagement

Use Data to Drive Strategy

• Track engagement, funding activity, and pipeline development across institutions
• Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for targeted support
• Contribute to reporting, dashboards, and program insights
• Construct and run regular reports on the variety of work that is accomplished

What We're Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable guidance
• Experience managing multiple priorities and stakeholders
• US Citizenship or Permanent Residency

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in research development, grant writing, or proposal support
• Familiarity with federal funding agencies (NSF, NIH, etc.)
• Experience in higher education, research administration, or commercialization
• Experience developing templates, guides, or training materials
• Comfort working with data tracking tools and systems

Location & Travel

• Based in Kentucky (flexible/hybrid depending on candidate)
• Regular travel to partner institutions expected

Additional Information: 

- The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required. Other duties may be assigned as determined by management.

- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties and responsibilities.

KSTC is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Applications are now being accepted and will be processed as they are received, with screening for interviews beginning immediately.