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Mentor-in-Residence, Technology Transfer Talent Network, Part-Time Assignment
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Mentor-in-Residence, Technology Transfer Talent Network, Part-Time Assignment at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Position Purpose:
The Tech Transfer Talent Network (T3N) Mentor-in-Residence (MIR) serves as a senior-level commercialization advisor who accelerates the translation of university innovations into commercially viable products, startup ventures, and licensing opportunities. The MIR works closely with faculty inventors, researchers, students, technology commercialization professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry partners to evaluate early-stage technologies, improve commercialization decision-making, reduce technical and market risk, and advance innovations toward market adoption.
As part of the Michigan statewide T3N initiative, the MIR provides entrepreneurial expertise, industry insight, and access to extensive professional networks. The position supports venture creation, startup acceleration, customer discovery, market validation, fundraising readiness, and commercialization strategy development within designated focus areas such as life sciences, physical sciences, automotive and mobility technologies, advanced manufacturing, energy, and digital/software technologies.
The MIR plays a critical role in expanding Wayne State's and Michigan's innovation ecosystem by helping transform promising research discoveries into high-growth companies, strategic partnerships, and societal impact.
Essential Functions:
Technology Assessment, Opportunity Evaluation & Commercialization Strategy.
Evaluate early-stage technologies for technical feasibility, market opportunity, competitive positioning, intellectual property considerations, and commercialization potential.
Provide strategic recommendations to improve technology transfer decision-making and prioritize opportunities with the greatest likelihood of market success.
Guide faculty, researchers, and technology commercialization staff through customer discovery, market validation, business model development, and commercialization planning.
Startup Formation, Venture Development & Mentorship.
Mentor faculty founders, entrepreneurial researchers, students, and startup teams in venture creation and growth.
Assist with company formation, commercialization roadmaps, business planning, team development, value proposition refinement, investor readiness, and milestone achievement.
Leverage entrepreneurial experience to accelerate startup development and increase venture success rates.
Ecosystem Engagement, Investor Connections & Resource Integration.
Connect innovators with investors, mentors, industry partners, service providers, accelerators, incubators, and economic development resources.
Facilitate introductions that advance commercialization objectives, support strategic partnerships, and expand access to capital and market opportunities.
Funding Support, Due Diligence & Commercialization Programs.
Assist with the identification, evaluation, and advancement of technologies seeking gap funding, translational research funding, SBIR/STTR support, proof-of-concept funding, and venture investment.
Participate in technology diligence, proposal reviews, milestone development, and funding recommendations.
Support commercialization programs and innovation initiatives that advance university technologies toward market readiness.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Master's degree
Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years' experience)
Significant experience as an entrepreneur, startup executive, investor, technology commercialization professional, business development executive, or innovation leader.
Demonstrated experience evaluating early-stage technologies and advancing them toward commercialization.
Experience forming, growing, financing, or advising startup companies.
Experience conducting customer discovery, market assessment, product-market fit analysis, and commercialization planning.
Experience working with venture capital firms, angel investors, strategic corporate partners, or economic development organizations.
Experience working with university technologies, research institutions, or innovation ecosystems preferred.
Track record of successfully supporting technology-based venture creation, licensing transactions, or commercialization outcomes.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Strong knowledge of technology commercialization, venture development, startup formation, and innovation ecosystems.
Ability to assess technical innovations and identify commercial opportunities across multiple industry sectors.
Knowledge of intellectual property, licensing, market validation, customer discovery, and fundraising processes.
Understanding of early-stage company financing, investor expectations, and venture growth strategies.
Ability to mentor and advise faculty, researchers, entrepreneurs, and startup leadership teams.
Strong strategic planning, business analysis, and opportunity assessment skills.
Excellent relationship-building and networking abilities with investors, industry partners, and entrepreneurial stakeholders.
Strong communication, presentation, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across universities, disciplines, and stakeholder groups.
Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority and navigate complex innovative environments.
Knowledge of Michigan's innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development ecosystem preferred.
School/College/Division:
The Division of Research Support
Primary Department:
H0905 - VP Research
Employment \ ype:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Fractional Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Annual Salary: To be determined

Working Conditions:
Normal environment.
Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background Check Requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.