Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $56,600 - Midpoint: $73,600 (Salaried E9)
Department/Organization: 704102 - Office for ASSIST
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for hybrid work subject to University policy.
Job Summary: The Venture Development Specialist will complement existing research engagement and translation functions by focusing on startup formation, market validation, investor and industry partnerships, and accelerator programming. Enhances UA’s innovation ecosystem, economic impact, and provides direct support to faculty, students, and collaborators in translating research into sustainable ventures and industry collaborations.
Additional Department Summary: The Research ASSIST Office unites academic research engagement, technology development, and industry engagement under one umbrella to create a seamless pathway from research discovery to commercialization to industrial and economic impact. Research ASSIST provides integrated services across the research and innovation continuum, from strategic proposal development to venture acceleration, while strengthening industry partnerships and economic development opportunities.
Advances venture creation, industry engagement, and entrepreneurship. Builds relationships with faculty, industry, investors, and government partners to accelerate commercialization, grows UA’s intellectual property portfolio, supports startups, and enhances UA’s role in regional and state economic development.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience; OR master's degree.
Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Due to U.S. export control regulations governing information, technology, and facilities accessed during the performance of this work, applicants must be: (1) U.S. citizens or nationals; (2) permanent residents;(3) asylees or refugees; OR (4) individuals otherwise described as "protected individuals" according to Title 8 U.S. Code Section 1324b(a)(3)(b).
Skills and Knowledge: Ability to manage multiple projects independently. Strong analytical skills, including market research and business model development. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication. Knowledge of funding landscapes (federal, state, private, venture) relevant to commercialization and small business growth.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience in venture development, economic development, entrepreneurship, or industry engagement.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate business opportunities and support early-stage ventures. Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Experience working with startups, accelerators, or venture capital in an academic environment. Familiarity with industry engagement and economic development initiatives. Demonstrated success in building partnerships across academia, industry, and government.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
