Director of Business Development

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The Office of Technology Development (OTD) is part of Harvard University's Central Administration. OTD fulfills the University’s commitment to translate technologies developed in Harvard labs for the public good and to establish corporate partnerships that advance research towards commercial impact.

Reporting to the Associate Provost and Chief Technology Development Officer, the Director of Business Development (DBD) will support OTD’s core mission to
1) commercialize technologies emerging from Harvard labs and
2) secure funding from corporate sources to advance research.

• Develop and implement commercialization plans for technologies in the physical sciences, engineering, applied, and computer sciences.
• Assess commercial potential and market opportunities for new technologies and formulate strategies for their transfer to society through licensing, startup creation, or partnering with industry.
• Manage a portfolio of inventions in diverse fields of technology, including materials science, quantum, AI, energy, medical devices, imaging, and nanotech.
• Draft term sheets and negotiate license and sponsored research agreements.
• Help create startups and develop relationships with entrepreneurs and investors.
• Support researchers on issues related to technology transfer and business development.
• Prepare technology profiles reflecting the commercial potential of new technologies.
• Identify potential licensees.
• Initiate industry contacts and develop strong relationships with potential commercialization partners.
• Facilitate interactions among faculty and industry scientists, patent counsel, research sponsors and university administration.