Program Manager Research Operations Jobs in Orem, UT

Announcement
Details
Open Date
07/02/2026
Requisition Number
PRN45546B
Job Title
OCHE Program Manager, Nucleus
Working Title
Nucleus Grow Program Manager
Career Progression Track
G
Track Level
FLSA Code
Professional
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Standard Hours per Week
40
Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm on-site
VP Area
President
Department
02488 - Nucleus Institute
Location
Other
City
Lehi, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
$70,000 to $80,000
Close Date
10/02/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
Nucleus Grow supports Utah's innovation economy by helping entrepreneurs, researchers, startups, and small businesses develop and commercialize innovative technologies. Through training, technical assistance, funding guidance, and strategic connections, Nucleus Grow helps innovators access the resources needed to advance ideas from concept to market. This includes assisting companies in identifying and pursuing federal funding opportunities, including the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
The Program Manager works directly with founders, researchers, universities, investors, industry partners, and economic development organizations across Utah. The position provides innovation funding guidance, proposal and business review, entrepreneurship support, program delivery, and stakeholder engagement while helping strengthen Utah's statewide innovation ecosystem.
Responsibilities
Program Management and Entrepreneurship Support:

• Advise entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology companies on innovation funding opportunities, funding readiness, commercialization planning, proposal development, and customer discovery activities.
• Support the planning and delivery of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology commercialization programs, workshops, and events.
• Develop practical resources, tools, and guidance that help innovators navigate funding and commercialization pathways.

Technical Review & Funding Assistance:

• Review and provide feedback on funding applications, proposals, commercialization plans, pitch materials, and other strategic documents.
• Assist companies in evaluating federal, state, and other funding opportunities, including SBIR/STTR and other non-dilutive funding programs.
• Analyze complex technical, scientific, and business concepts and communicate recommendations to diverse audiences.

Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Development

• Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, universities, investors, economic development organizations, and industry partners.
• Represent Nucleus Grow at meetings, conferences, workshops, and community events.
• Facilitate connections that support company growth, technology commercialization, and innovation collaboration.

Program Reporting & Operations:

• Track program activities, outcomes, and performance metrics.
• Support reporting, compliance, communications, and other operational requirements associated with grants, contracts, and organizational initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree or recognized certificate or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for one year of related work experience) required; Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, science, public policy, entrepreneurship, or a related field strongly preferred.
• 2- 4 years of experience in program management, entrepreneurship, business development, innovation, technology commercialization, or related fields.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to review, edit, and provide feedback on complex technical and business documents.
• Ability to understand and evaluate scientific, engineering, technical, and business concepts.
• Experience supporting startups, entrepreneurs, technology companies, research organizations, or innovation-focused programs.
• Knowledge of business development, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, economic development, or innovation funding.
• Strong project management, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work well with researchers and founders.
Preferences

• Experience with SBIR/STTR, research commercialization, technology transfer, federal grant programs, or innovation-focused funding initiatives.
• Experience reviewing grant proposals, technical applications, business plans, or commercialization strategies.
• Familiarity with Utah's startup, research, and innovation ecosystem.

Type
Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.