INNOVATION & ACADEMIC PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
Reference: T236558
To provide strategic leadership leadership, academic innovation, healthcare
innovation, programming, and commercialization efforts with the Heersink
Institute for Biomedical Innovation (MHIBI) within the Heersink School of
Medicine (HSOM). To support curriculum growth, oversee student product
development and venture activities, build partnerships with industry and
clinical leaders, and establish governance for ethical and responsible
innovation. To promote Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS)
Training Academy efforts by developing programs for students, trainees, and
emerging leaders by integrating team science principles into existing
educational programs. To develop training opportunities that strengthen
collaborative research, interdisciplinary engagement, and leadership
development.
This position will provide leadership for academic innovation, healthcare
innovation programming, and commercialization efforts within the Institute.
The role will support curriculum growth, oversee student product development
and venture activities, build partnerships with industry and clinical leaders,
and help establish governance for ethical and responsible innovation.
Additionally, the position will support CCTS Training Academy efforts by
developing and integrating team science curriculum into training programs for
students, trainees, and emerging research leaders.
Duties and Responsibilities :
Academic Program Leadership : Provide strategic leadership for
academic programming within the Institute, with particular emphasis on the
Healthcare Innovation (HCI) track. Support HCI curriculum coherence and
growth. Help oversee Practicum II experiences, ensuring projects align
with real-world innovation, commercialization, and clinical impact.
Innovation Product Development Ecosystem : Lead development of the
Institute for Biomedical Innovation Founders Club Establish and manage a
structured process for student product development, from ideation through
validation and early commercialization. Oversee growth and quality of
student-led products and ventures, ensuring alignment with responsible AI
and institutional standards.
Commercialization Advisory Engagement : Develop and convene an
Advisory Board for Commercialization, engaging industry, clinical, and
entrepreneurial leaders to support student and faculty ventures.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to support venture
acceleration, mentorship, and commercialization pathways. Work closely
with faculty, leadership, and innovation partners (including related
teams) to support scale-up initiatives.
Thought Leadership Brand Development : Build and advance the
Institute's brand around AI-enabled innovation and commercialization. Lead
development of white papers, frameworks, and applied resources showcasing
the Institute's thought leadership and student/faculty work. Curate and
disseminate innovation resources to students, faculty, and external
partners.
Governance, Oversight Collaboration : Establish governance and
oversight mechanisms for student-generated products, ensuring ethical,
regulatory, and institutional compliance. Collaborate with Institute
leadership on long-term academic strategy, program evaluation, and
continuous improvement. Serve as a visible leader and ambassador for the
Institute's academic innovation mission.
CCTS Training Academy Team Science Lead : Work with established
Training Academy programs to weave team science curriculum into current
offerings (CTSTP, TIERS, etc.). Develop team science training modules
for new and rising leadership programs in CCTS including the Collaborative
Research and Effective Teamwork Essentials (CREATE) program and the
Clinical Trialist Development Program (CTDP). Work with training grant
directors (particularly pre-doctoral T32 leadership) to develop team
science workshops for trainees to expand their knowledge base of team
science principles.
Perform other duties as assigned
Salary Range: $67,070 - $108,990
Bachelor's degree in a related field and ten (10) years of related
experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education
requirement.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated
to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals
regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex
(including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's
status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any
education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report
concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX
Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at
uab.edu/titleix.
