Apply for Job Job ID370678 LocationTwin Cities Job FamilyBusiness Development Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9763BG Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job Location: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN. This position is primarily an on-site role. Some flexibility may be available after the initial training and onboarding period. Job Type: Full-time, 100% Salary: $145,000-$165,000 Reports To: Executive Director, PPIC We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to develop strategic translation and commercialization vision and path at PPIC. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in translating research outputs and commercialization, particularly in alternative protein ingredients and products. This role will bridge research, industry, and entrepreneurship by facilitating technology transfer, identifying market opportunities, and engaging stakeholders to drive product development and commercialization. Additionally, the role will involve developing and managing a program dedicated to effectively help companies test and scale new technologies and products. Therefore, the commercialization lead, through the activities/responsibilities listed below, will facilitate the translation/commercialization of our research outputs and will aid in sustaining the growth of small and medium-size companies and business units within large companies. The commercialization lead will prioritize the development, scaling, and commercialization of plant proteins from sustainable sources, while navigating market trends to ensure relevancy. PPIC will facilitate access to resources, including technology licensing, shared facilities, manufacturing capacity, investors, prototyping support, and consumer and business development expertise. The commercialization lead will also work closely with the University of Minnesota Commercialization and Technology Transfer office to leverage intellectual property (IP) developed by PPIC to create case studies for commercialization. In addition, the commercialization lead will establish and cultivate value added networks with service partners and potential customers. The commercialization lead will work with the PPIC Executive Director to develop and execute a fundraising strategy for PPIC growth and sustainability. Through translation and commercialization activities, the commercialization lead is expected to generate revenue that will allow PPIC to grow organizationally while expanding funding acquisition efforts and research activities toward cyclic sustainability. The commercialization lead will be someone who thrives in a start-up mindset-comfortable with ambiguity, resourceful with limited inputs, and energized by building from the ground up. In short, the commercialization lead will work toward ensuring PPIC's research successfully moves off the bench and into the market. Key Responsibilities Commercialization Lead (100%) Develop and implement translation/commercialization strategies for PPIC, aligning with strategic priorities developed together with the Executive Director, advisory board and technical committee. Develop a business plan to accelerate translation and commercialization, while generating revenue to allow for continuity of translational research. Conduct market research and competitive analysis to assess potential commercialization pathways. Position PPIC as a global leader in plant/alternative proteins through the development of commercialization strategies and industry collaborations. Develop, budget and execute plans to enhance current infrastructure, resources, and operational models to support ingredient and food discovery, food product development, pilotscale production, product testing, and technology validation & technical due-diligence. Work closely with PPIC Executive Director to develop a funding acquisition strategy, leveraging government grants, industry partnerships, philanthropic foundations, and crowdfunding to align with PPIC's goals. Support intellectual property (IP) management and licensing agreements in coordination with the University of Minnesota's Commercialization and Technology Transfer office. Leverage center-developed intellectual property (IP) to create case studies demonstrating successful commercialization pathways. Translate our plant protein research efforts into commercial reality through evaluating scalability with key partners and the production of proto@types. Specifically, collaborate with/advise researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to bring innovative sustainable protein ingredients, products and technologies to market. Provide consultation to companies, giving guidance on commercialization and scaling. Organize workshops, networking events, and training programs focused on scaling and commercialization best practices. Develop marketing and outreach initiatives to promote research outcomes and translational successes. Collaborate with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to strengthen the Center's capabilities and impact. Represent PPIC at industry trade shows and convenings to build out and cultivate network. Qualifications Required Bachelor's Degree in Food Science or related field plus at least 10 years of experience. Strong knowledge of intellectual property management, technology licensing, and technology transfer processes. Proven record of successful commercialization and business development in the area of new ingredients and products. Preferred MSc. or PhD in Food Science/Technology, Food Processing, Biochemistry or a related field, or a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. Minimum of 15 years of industry/academic experience in food research, development, and commercialization Experience in building capabilities and resources, including food ingredients (specifically protein ingredients) assessment & food product development labs, food processing pilot plants, and sensory Centers. Experience working with research institutions, startups, and industry partners. Experience in analyzing market trends and developing strategic commercialization plans. Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans. Experience in fundraising within non-profit, research, or technology sectors. Experience in project management and handling of multiple initiatives simultaneously. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration About the Department University of Minnesota - Dept of Food Science and Nutrition Housed in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences, The Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) is the first, and only, center of its kind in the nation dedicated to plant and alternative proteins research. The PPIC brings together interdisciplinary researchers and industry partners to address industry identified challenges and opportunities to develop a wealth of interdisciplinary research that brings to the supply chain new nutritious protein ingredients and products, starting from sustainable agricultural practices to... For full info follow application link. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
