The position reports directly to the Vice President for Research and collaborates closely with faculty, research center staff and directors, the New Mexico Tech University Research Park Corporation, and external partners. The Director will have a direct, visible impact on shaping the university's entrepreneurial legacy, working closely with top-tier researchers who are changing the world.
Key Responsibilities include:
• Strategic Leadership: Provide vision and oversight for New Mexico Techs intellectual property (IP) portfolio and commercialization strategies.
• IP & Policy Management: Develop, refine, and implement policies related to patenting, intellectual property, and licensing opportunities.
• IP commercialization: Lead the efforts and partner with the New Mexico Tech University Research Park Corporation (NMTURPC) and its Board to actively seek out and secure commercialization and licensing pathways for NMT intellectual property and patents.
• Ecosystem Integration: Facilitate bridging the gap between New Mexico Tech inventors and external entrepreneurs, investors, and industry innovators across the State and Nation.
• Campus Engagement: Work hand-in-hand with both academic and non-academic departments to develop and execute active plans for safeguarding and commercializing university IP.
What We Are Looking For:
• An individual with excellent communication skills who can communicate effectively with faculty, researchers, students, New Mexico Tech executive staff at all levels, members of the Board of Directors of the NMTURPC and with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry innovators across the state and the nation.
• Someone with experience (>5 years) in entrepreneurial environments and who is innovative, proactive, and energized by the unique ecosystem of a focused STEM research institution.
• Proven experience and success in navigating the complexities of intellectual property, technology transfer, and university-to-market pipelines.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Masters degree required, PhD degree preferred. Graduate degree in STEM field preferred, and acceptable in entrepreneurship, business administration, finance, or related discipline, but only with demonstrated relevant experience in tech transfer and commercialization at a STEM university or organization.
• Demonstrated record of fiscal and operational management.
Position Type: Permanent Full-Time.
The primary location of the position is on-site in Socorro, NM.
How to Apply: Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately. Priority date for full consideration of application is October 12, 2026. Please include a cover letter, current resume or CV and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.
For questions or additional information please contact Vice President for Research Lique Coolen at lique.coolen@nmt.edu
Interested candidates are invited to learn more and submit application materials through the New Mexico Tech employment portal: https://www.nmt.edu/hr/employment.php
New Mexico Tech is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.
