Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), Part-Time at University of Pittsburgh

Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), Part-Time

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is seeking two highly experienced, part-time Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) to join our Ventures Group. This is a unique opportunity for seasoned professionals to apply their industry expertise to high-potential university innovations while exploring their next professional endeavor.  Successful experience in operating, investing in, or acquiring startup companies is required.

Key Responsibilities

The EIRs will serve as senior advisors and hands-on commercialization strategists, driving the translation of promising University inventions into viable startup companies. Core duties include:

• Evaluate inventions and intellectual property (IP) for market potential and commercial viability. Develop and execute tailored commercialization strategies, including identifying potential market opportunities and paths to scale.
• Actively lead and participate in key company formation activities, such as:
  • Identifying and vetting prospective management teams.
  • Sourcing early-stage investors and participating in fundraising discussions.
  • Advising on spin-off structures and business plans.
  • Monitoring the post-license performance of newly formed companies.
• Collaborate effectively with a wide range of external partners, including entrepreneurs, early-stage venture capitalists, companies, and regional economic development organizations to advance innovations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the University’s entrepreneurial programs (e.g., NSF I-Corps, accelerators, pitch competitions), bringing a real-world, practitioner's perspective.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and databases related to innovation assessment and commercialization progress.

Role Structure & Opportunity:

• This is a part-time (estimated 8-10 hours per week) position with flexible hours, structured to allow the EIR to focus on strategic work while leveraging the residency to identify or build a new full-time venture.
• A unique option for the applicant EIR is the potential to identify a viable healthcare business opportunity among our portfolio that they could subsequently choose to pursue as a Founder/CEO.

A Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience is required. Successful experience in operating, investing in, or acquiring startup companies is required. We are recruiting for two part-time EIR positions. One EIR with deep experience in Software and/or AI, and one EIR with a background in Medical Devices or Pharmaceuticals/Life Sciences.