What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, AI Innovation and Commercialization position at The Johns Hopkins University?

Director, AI Innovation and Commercialization

Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV) supports the commercialization of university technology through technology licensing, the development of sponsored research agreements and venture creation. JHTV serves as a business advisor to investigators at all ten schools of the university whose research has commercial potential and provides a set of specific resources to aid them, including intellectual property (IP) protection, technology analysis, marketing and licensing support, translational and venture funding support, physical space though its FastForward innovation hubs, and professional services (e.g. mentorship, pro bono legal and accounting services, and educational programming).

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The Acceleration team at JHTV was created to scout, cultivate, and manage high value opportunities to drive innovation and commercialization. With the establishment of the new Data Science Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) Institute, there is a need for commercialization resources focused on this highly interdisciplinary work. We are seeking a Director, AI Innovation & Commercialization who will be responsible for cultivating high-potential AI technologies (including software) across all schools involved in the DSAI Institute. This requires managing collaborations (from inception to completion) across JHU and JHTV as well as our external partners. This leader will work cross functionally to manage new business opportunities.

The Director of AI Innovation & Commercialization will lead initiatives to translate cutting-edge university research into impactful AI-driven applications, focusing on AI / data science, software, engineering, and healthcare. This role will build robust ecosystems to support spin-outs, startups, and licensing opportunities while driving the commercialization of technologies from concept to prototype (0-1). The position emphasizes collaboration with faculty to bridge research and real-world implementation, fostering entrepreneurial culture and external partnerships to maximize the societal impact of university innovation.

Primary areas of responsibility

Faculty relationship management : Source and connect with faculty who are conducting commercially relevant AI and software research; advise / connect them with appropriate resources and commercialization pathways. Build strong faculty partnerships to encourage a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
AI Technology development : Advise on transforming academic research into AI-driven solutions with clear value propositions. Develop project plans to refine AI innovations, leveraging internal resources for prototyping, scaling, and commercialization, and leveraging of JHTV resources (IP and licensing support, research and startup funding, mentorship, programs) to develop technologies against commercialization goals. Foster cross-disciplinary collaboration to accelerate development timelines and innovation outcomes.
Business planning & project management : For a set of high-value AI technologies, provide direct project management support to ensure that maximum value is created, working across Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures to align on strategy (e.g. venture creation, exclusive licensing to industry, etc.) and resource allocation. Guide faculty and teams through the process of spinning out startups or pursuing licensing opportunities.
Business development & AI Ecosystem building : With members of JHTV and members of school leadership, collaborate with JHTV, corporate partners, and investors to expand partnerships for AI research sponsorships, licensing deals, and startup ventures. Create programs, conferences and events to educate and empower faculty and students in entrepreneurial pathways and product / startup lifecycles. Cultivate an external ecosystem of mentors, AI industry leaders, and funding sources to support startups and translational efforts.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Works across JHU with faculty involved in the DSAI Institute - with emphasis on the engineering, data science and software disciplines - to support new ideas with commercial potential and entrepreneurial faculty.

Works closely with faculty who have invented novel technologies to assist with the articulation of a commercial value proposition; identifies key challenges and market opportunities and assists with technology development plans.

Connects faculty to JHTV / JHU and other resources including IP and licensing support, mentorship, programs, funding, venture creation expertise.

Provides project management support for high-potential technologies.

Assists the technology transfer team in developing technology licensing strategies and screening potential licensees that are startups.

Interacts with potential startups including but not limited to business model development, mentor matching, and fundraising support.

Supports development and execution of programs and events for startup education.

Collaborates with faculty leaders and administrators to increase the culture of translation within both individual schools and across the DSAI Institute.

Assists in the development of reports to DSAI leadership summarizing the status of key projects and overall translational activity.

Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to understand complex technologies, demonstrated by relevant technical training or industry or technology transfer experience.

Knowledge of intellectual property, technology transfer and technology development; ideally has experience with academic conflict of interest issues; must be conversant in the unique dynamics of software development and commercialization, including open source software.

Demonstrate a collegial and cooperative nature to be able to work effectively with senior and junior licensing associates, JHTV and University senior management, JHU faculty, and outside companies and entrepreneurs.

Able to flex between strategic thinking and hands-on management of programs, projects and processes.

Sensitive to faculty and early venture needs and work in accordance with university wide policies.

Strategic and analytical thinking skills with an ability to solve problems and make decisions, with the ability to multi-task under deadline pressure.

Able to network and interact, as well as support effective partnerships with key groups and individuals.

Strong verbal / written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree.

Seven years progressive management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident required due to Federal Export Controls.

An advanced degree in engineering, information technology, data science or business (MBA).

Experience in venture or business development, preferably in an engineering, data science or software environment. Venture funding experience strongly desired. Experience in technology licensing and venture creation. Professional experience in an academic environment.

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