Program Development Assistant Jobs in Houston, TX

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e. g. , biomedical sciences, business, public health, engineering, or related discipline).
• Minimum of 3 years of directly related experience in technology commercialization, or innovation business development with strong track record of industry partnership development, collaboration, strategic networking and promotion of entrepreneurship.
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex programs and external partnerships

Job Summary: 
Responsible for assisting in leading the strategic and operational activities of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, including technology evaluation, technology commercialization, business development, partnerships, startup support, and industry engagement. The Assistant Director supports decision making, program management, financial oversight, and external partnerships to advance UTMB discoveries toward commercial impact. This position addresses complex technology partnerships and commercialization challenges, promotes faculty engagement, and fosters institutional growth through licensing, startup formation, and economic development initiatives.

Job Duties:

• Assist in providing strategic leadership for technology commercialization activities, including evaluation of intellectual property, commercialization pathways, and startup development.
• Engage with external parties to cultivate and grow partnerships for UTMB technologies.
• Address business development, operational and programmatic issues with minimal direction.
• Evaluate invention disclosures and emerging technologies for commercial potential.
• Work with faculty to develop intellectual property strategies and advance discoveries toward licensing or startup formation.
• Develop and maintain marketing materials for UTMB technologies.
• Support outreach to industry partners and assist with negotiation of licensing, option, and collaboration agreements to maximize strategic and financial value.
• Manage and support operational aspects of UTMB’s seed fund program and serve on relevant commercialization and advisory committees.
• Provide guidance and coordination support for UTMB startup companies.
• Facilitate collaborations between UTMB investigators and industry partners.
• Serve as a liaison to align research capabilities with market and commercialization opportunities.
• Build relationships with faculty to educate and advise on technology transfer processes, intellectual property policies, and commercialization resources.
• Support strategic outreach efforts to expand UTMB’s external innovation network.
• Collaborate with the Galveston Economic Development Partnership (GEDP) to support development and operation of an incubator facility.
• Assist initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, small business growth, and regional economic development.
• Assist in developing operational plans, metrics, and reporting mechanisms to evaluate commercialization outcomes and program effectiveness.

Marginal or Periodic Functions:

• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills with a high level of professionalism.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of intellectual property, business development, and technology commercialization practices.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across a complex, matrixed academic health system.
• Proficiency in program planning, organization, and decision making.
• Familiarity with startup development, industry partnerships, and innovation ecosystems.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• PhD in a relevant field
• Experience working with an academic health system or research-intensive environment.
• Knowledge of startup formation, seed funding, or venture development.
• Experience engaging industry partners and economic development organizations.
• Strong project management and presentation skills.

Salary Range:
Commensurate with experience.
 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.