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University of Utah

Associate Director, Research & Science

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Salt Lake City, UT

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $100K - $120K

💻 Research

🗓️ November 19th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Utah is hiring an Associate Director, Research & Science. The role involves developing and implementing policies, programs, and financial objectives for departments linked to research and scientific activities, including laboratory and operations research, and ensuring continuity and quality customer service between University departments and the community. The Associate Director also participates in budgeting and setting departmental goals.

Highlights
  • Develop and implement policies and financial objectives for research-related departments.
  • Participate in department budget preparation and goal setting.
  • Manage and cultivate a network of advisors, executives, and mentors for startups.
  • Support startup fundraising by assisting with pitches, investor materials, and connecting to funding opportunities.
  • Provide strategic guidance to founders on business development and commercialization.
  • Represent the University’s startup community at events and strengthen ecosystem ties.
  • Required: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field plus 6-8 years of progressive management experience; Master’s preferred.
  • Preferred: Scientific expertise, experience in entrepreneurship or venture capital, strong investor and startup network.
  • Compensation range: $100,000 - $120,000 annually.
  • Position requires effective communication and relationship management skills and collaboration with faculty and external partners.

Associate Director, Research & Science Full Description

Associate Director, Research & Science
Announcement
 Details 
Open Date  | 11/18/2025
Requisition Number  | PRN43614B
Job Title  | Associate Director, Research & Science
Working Title  | Associate Director, Innovation & Venture Development
Career Progression Track  | H
Track Level  |
FLSA Code  | Executive
Patient Sensitive Job Code?  | No
Standard Hours per Week  | 40
Full Time or Part Time?  | Full Time
Shift  | Day
Work Schedule Summary  | 8am-5pm Monday – Friday, (hybrid: must work 3 days in the office per week)
VP Area  | President
Department  | 00639 - VP for Research
Location  | Campus
City  | Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment  | External Posting
Pay Rate Range  | $100,000 - $120,000
Close Date  | 02/18/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)  |

Job Summary 
Develops and implements policies, programs and financial objectives for assigned departments in relation to research and scientific functions, including (but not limited to) laboratory, research and development, operations research, geological, chemical, and biological research, statistical methods, technical reporting, and outcomes publishing. Participates in preparing department budgets and in setting department goals. Ensures continuity and quality customer service between University departments and community.

Responsibilities 
Build ConnectionsCurate and manage a network of experienced advisors, executives, and mentors with expertise in relevant industries. Align potential management teams and mentors with leadership needs across our startup portfolio. Facilitate introductions and foster long-term relationships between startups and advisors.
Fuel Fundraising SuccessHelp startups craft compelling pitches, prepare investor materials, and get “deal-ready.” Connect startups to appropriate funding opportunities and help structure investment strategies. Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national investors, including venture capital firms, angel investors, and strategic partners.
Support Founders & TeamsPartner with others from the TLO and Utah Venture Hub, as well as faculty founders to support the launch and growth of university-affiliated startups. Assess company needs and work with founders to provide strategic guidance on business model development, commercialization strategy, and operational growth.
Grow Utah’s Innovation EcosystemRepresent the University’s startup community at events, strengthen ties with entrepreneurs and investors, and spotlight the success of our ventures.
Minimum Qualifications  | Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required; plus 6-8 years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communication skills also required. Master’s degree in Business Administration or related area preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences   
Scientific expertise preferred: ability to understand and interpret technical or research-based information Track record of raising capital or supporting fundraising efforts for early-stage companies. Experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, startup operations, or technology commercialization. Strong network within the investor, startup, or corporate innovation community. Excellent communication, relationship management, and presentation skills. Ability to work effectively with faculty inventors, entrepreneurs, and external partners. 

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 patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. 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.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and 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 Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/
Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

https://safety.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.

Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education) 
    • Yes
    • No
  2. * How many years of progressively more responsible management experience do you have? 
    • Less than 2 years
    • 2 year or more, but less than 4 years
    • 4 years or more, but less than 6 years
    • 6 years or more, but less than 10 years
    • 10 years or more
  3.  Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? 
    • Yes
    • No
  4.  Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B status)? 
    • Yes
    • No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. List of References
Optional Documents
  1. Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Description for More Information – Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) – Veteran Only
  2. Historical Only – Do Not Use – See Document Description for More Information – Addendum to the University of Utah – Veteran Only
 University Human Resource Management 
 250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
 Contact us: (801) 581-2169 By Email: employment@utah.edu