at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job Opening Id: 54469
Department: Innovation and New Ventures
Salary/Grade: EXS/10
Job Summary:
The Senior Venture Associate will play a leading role in supporting venture development, funding programs, and portfolio advancement across the Querrey InQbation Lab. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role focuses on advancing early-stage technologies through structured commercialization support, venture evaluation, and founder engagement. Working closely with faculty, researchers, and startup teams, the Senior Venture Associate will assess opportunities, guide commercialization strategies, and support investment decision-making across translational funding programs, including the N.XT Gap Fund. This role offers an opportunity to take on increased ownership in program execution, venture selection, and founder support, while contributing to a strong, collaborative team environment.
This is a 2-year term position. Opportunity for renewal will be based on performance and available funding.
Oversight includes:
- The N.XT Gap Fund, overseeing startup investments; and
- Translational funding programs that bridge early scientific innovation to commercially viable solutions, including application review, founder support, and award administration
- Supporting early-stage startups with application review, founder coaching, selection process with investment committee and award administration market research, customer discovery, competitive analysis, and venture strategy
- Helping founders develop compelling pitches, strategic narratives, and investor-ready materials
- Conducting opportunity assessments and evaluating technologies for commercial and translational potential
- Engaging with mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners to advance high potential ventures
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive vision and roadmap for life sciences accelerators, ensuring alignment with university priorities and donor intent.
- Operational Leadership: Manage multi programs and postdoc teams; establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting mechanisms to track progress and outcomes for the N.XT and translation fund program
- Due Diligence and Venture Support: Lead rigorous evaluation and selection of ventures and projects for accelerator participation and funding, leveraging scientific and commercial expertise.
- Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of innovation and agility, incorporating stakeholder fee
