Merc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Industry and Business Development Officer serves as a bridge between the university and external microelectronic/semiconductor business community. The role fosters strong industry partnerships, enhances university engagement, helps drive economic development initiatives, and enhances the university's impact on the local, regional, and national landscape.

This position resides within the Microelectronics Education and Research Center and will work closely with the Division of Research and Economic Development, Office of Technology Transfer, Research Enterprise Services, Center for Research and Creative Activity, President's Office, College of Engineering, Advancement, Academic Colleges and all participating members of the National Network for Microelectronics Education Partnership (NNME) and Pacific Intermountain Network for Education in Semiconductors (PINES).

This position will be in person with 1-2 days remote/hybrid schedule. This is a temporary position with an expected duration through July 2027. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The Microelectronics Education and Research Center (MERC) is the hub for microelectronics innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development in Idaho. Organized within Boise State's College of Engineering, MERC centralizes and coordinates opportunities for all students in essential career preparation and unique research opportunities alongside expert faculty.
Several workforce development grants have become the signature programs for MERC coming from state, federal, and other funding sources. The goals of each is to bolster microelectronics career pathways for students across the region through K-12 outreach and recruiting, curriculum updates across the university and with other institutions, development of new experiential learning programs, and through external partnerships. The workforce development grants currently housed within MERC establish Boise State as a nationwide leader in semiconductor education and research, while significantly enhancing opportunities for the next generation of professionals entering the workforce.

Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience. Manages large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.

60% of Time the Industry & Business Development Officer must:

Business Development

• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities, including mutually beneficial master agreements and associated industry-sponsored projects and intellectual property (IP) commercialization agreements, in an effort to diversify the university sponsored project portfolio.
• In collaboration with the offices above, develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national microelectronic/semiconductor businesses. With these relationships, the position understands individual industry partners' evolving technical needs and how Boise State may meet them.
• The position will also need to comprehensively understand Boise State's strengths and opportunities, including faculty expertise, research centers and institutes, core facilities, and other research facilities, and academic programs, and career programs.
• Facilitate collaborations among faculty, staff, students, and industry partners on research and creativity projects, IP commercialization initiatives, facility use agreements, and core facility services.
• Conduct microelectronics/semiconductor industry needs assessments and market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities, tying research to university assets and potential projects.
• With the offices above, build and maintain relationships with government agencies, industry associations, foundations, and potential external collaborators within the microelectronic/semiconductor (e.g., other universities) to secure an ecosystem nimble and ready to respond to opportunities.
• In concert with campus media and marketing, support, inform, and disseminate professional, multimedia marketing materials that showcase the university's research and creative activity capabilities, innovation ecosystem, and industry partnerships.
• With leadership in the Microelectronic Education and Research Center, all participating members of the National Network for Microelectronics Education Partnership (NNME) and Pacific Intermountain Network for Education in Semiconductors (PINES) establish and track metrics and key performance indicators to evaluate performance and progress towards meeting the university's industry partnership and innovation objectives, with a particular emphasis on sponsored projects and IP commercialization agreements.

30% of Time the Industry & Business Development Officer must:

Operationalize Campus University-Industry Awareness

• Raise awareness within the university community about microelectronic/semiconductor industry needs, opportunities, and best practices, and collaborate with stakeholders across campus to facilitate faculty engagement (e.g., IP royalties, Promotion & Tenure - Innovation & Entrepreneurship) and assist with streamlining operations that impact industry-sponsored research.
• Coordinate and hosts events, workshops, and seminars that connect faculty, staff, and students with microelectronic/semiconductor industry representatives. Follow up and follow through on these and other events to develop immediate and long-term relationships and actions.
• Participate in efforts to consolidate university resources and expertise to better understand and serve microelectronic/semiconductor industry needs in order to bring in industry-sponsored projects and associated IP commercialization agreements.
• In collaboration with university leadership, re-envision, re-establish, and grow the Boise State University Research Foundation (BSURF) into an organization capable of seizing market opportunities.

10% of Time the Industry & Business Development Officer must:

Long-Term Growth and Entrepreneurship

• Identify and cultivate potential microelectronic/semiconductor industry partners for emergent opportunities such as tech and research parks and/or other industry innovation efforts.
• Promote entrepreneurship across the university through partnership with the President's Office, College of Engineering, other academic colleges, and the Office of Technology Transfer.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and presentation skills
• Highly organized self-starter
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Working knowledge of local, national, and international industry partners

Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 5 years experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in business development, outside sales, economic development, or a related field.
• Proven track record of success in growing revenues and building and maintaining strong microelectronic/semiconductor industry relationships.
• Master's degree in a business, higher education, microelectronics/semiconductors, or STEM degree
• Experience with customer relationship management systems.
• Knowledge of higher education operations and research administration.
• Experience in technology transfer or entrepreneurship.
• Experience with recruiting, marketing, and promotion in the microelectronic/semiconductor industry.
• Understanding of regional economic microelectronic/semiconductor development trends and challenges.
• Strong network within the local microelectronic/semiconductor business community.
• Data analysis experience.

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Contact information for 3 references, collected as part of the application form

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We're a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We're building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho's Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/