Commercialization Coordinator (Research & Innovation)

The Commercialization Coordinator reports directly to the Commercialization Counselor at the Office for Research and Innovation at Meharry Medical College. The Commercialization Coordinator will collaborate closely with the Commercialization Counselor and help support innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer activities across the institution. This role will work closely with faculty, graduate students, industry partners, and external innovation networks to help move research discoveries toward commercialization. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and has great communication skills who can assist in helping support early-stage innovation in a university academic medical environment.

Daily Operations

Direct Support to Innovation & Commercialization Lead

• Support execution of commercialization strategy and day-to-day priorities under the direction of the lead.
• Assist in managing multiple projects, tracking milestones, and ensuring timely progress.
• Prepare materials, updates, and reports to support leadership meetings and decision-making.
• Coordinate tasks, timelines, and follow-ups to keep initiatives moving forward.
• Serve as a reliable point of contact to streamline operations and reduce administrative burden.

Customer Discovery, Market Research & Faculty Support

• Support and help lead customer discovery efforts, including conducting interviews and synthesizing insights.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform commercialization strategies.
• Work with faculty, students, and researchers to identify and advance innovation opportunities.
• Assist in preparing invention disclosures and guiding early-stage commercialization efforts.
• Provide hands-on support to teams navigating the innovation and entrepreneurship process.

Program Coordination & Ecosystem Engagement

• Coordinate logistics for programs, workshops, and cohort-based initiatives.
• Track team participation, engagement, and progress throughout programs.
• Support communication with participants, partners, and stakeholders.
• Assist in managing relationships with external partners, including universities and industry.
• Help coordinate events and initiatives that strengthen the innovation ecosystem.

Grant, Reporting & Operational Support

• Assist in tracking grant milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
• Collect and organize data for reporting to funders and stakeholders.
• Support preparation of reports, presentations, and documentation.
• Maintain organized records of projects, participants, and activities.
• Provide general administrative and operational support to ensure smooth day-to-day functions.

Required Skills

• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (reports, presentations, proposals)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across faculty, students, entrepreneurs, and industry partners
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional handling of sensitive information

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of technology commercialization, intellectual property, and licensing processes
• Familiarity with grant-funded research and compliance requirements
• Experience with market research, business development, or startup ecosystems
• Analytical skills to evaluate technology potential and commercialization strategies
• Event coordination experience (workshops, pitch days, outreach activities)

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, science, engineering, or a related field
• Experience working with startups, innovation programs, or academic research environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, coordinate events, and engage multiple stakeholders.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 2-4 years of experience in technology commercialization, research administration, or business development is preferred.
• Familiarity with intellectual property, licensing, or grant-funded project management is preferred.

Preferred Licensure, Certification or Registration

• NSF I-Corps Training Certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)