Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Alliances and Translation, the Assistant Vice President for RPI Ventures leads RPI’s strategic initiatives relating to commercialization, technology transactions, and venture creation. The AVP oversees and executes technology transactions and licensing; sets and executes university-wide intellectual property strategy; and oversees the Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing (IPTL). The AVP works with the VP to provide strategic oversight of Scale.Rensselaer, an off-campus deep-tech accelerator. In close collaboration with RPI Partners and external stakeholders, the AVP advances economic development through licensing, sponsored collaborations, company formation, and investment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (ex: Ph.D./J.D./Ed.D. or other) or J.D. from an accredited law school
• 10 years or more progressively responsible experience in technology transactions, commercialization, intellectual property strategy and transactions or related executive roles in academia, industry, or law
• Be a member, or be able to become a member through petition, of the New York Bar
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic judgment, with experience in organizational planning, execution, and effective management under pressure
• Applicants must meet stated minimum education and experience requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success negotiating complex licensing, sponsored research, collaboration, and related agreements
• Demonstrated experience in intellectual property portfolio management, licensing, and technology transactions
• Track record in venture formation, accelerator or incubator leadership, and/or support for early-stage companies
• Established network of angel and venture capital investors, industry collaborators, and strategic partners; experience engaging external advisors to support startup growth
• Experience structuring or operating venture funds, or otherwise guiding venture capital investment in early-stage technologies

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of OSAT’s mission, stakeholders, and commercialization pathways
• Business acumen and market orientation; ability to translate research into value propositions
• Effective communication tailored to diverse audiences; constructive conflict resolution
• Change management capability in fast moving environments; ability to initiate and execute plans
• Consistency, professionalism, and trustworthiness; commitment to ethics and confidentiality
• Demonstrated knowledge of complex intellectual property transactions, including licensing, sponsored research, and/or collaboration agreements
• Proven ability to work across academic and industry settings, with deep knowledge of research sponsors, commercialization practices, and public–private partnerships
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with high integrity and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential matters
• Strong financial and analytical capability, including budget development, KPI design and tracking, and performance reporting

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

• Ability to design and scale commercialization programs, including accelerators, incubators, and venture-support infrastructure, within a research university or comparable environment
• Sophisticated understanding of intellectual property strategy and technology transactions, including structuring complex licensing, sponsored research, and collaboration agreements
• Facility in building and sustaining investor, industry, and public-sector networks to support startup formation and capital access
• Skill in designing operating processes, governance structures, and compliance frameworks for venture development and commercialization
• Familiarity with prototyping, regulatory, and scale-up requirements for deep-tech and life-science ventures
• Capacity to translate scientific and technical innovations into compelling commercial value propositions for investors and partners

Shift

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Travel

Driving

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary

Expected hiring range: $195,000 - $206,000 / yr

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).