Description

UC Davis

Faculty Engagement Specialist

Reporting to the Director of Translational Funding Programs within UC Davis Health Ventures (Health Ventures) in the Innovation and Economic Development Office, the Faculty Engagement Specialist supports the vision, energy, and leadership established by the Director to inspire and educate health sciences faculty of UC Davis in research commercialization. The Specialist helps implement faculty outreach and education programs that encourage innovation, increase invention disclosures, and expand participation in translational research as UC Davis Health advances its position among America’s leading academic health systems. 

The Specialist works closely with the Director of Faculty Engagement and Education, the Technology Transfer Office, Venture Catalyst, and other campus partners to carry out proactive outreach, build relationships with faculty and other campus innovators, and serve as an accessible first point of contact for innovators across the Health Ventures thematic areas of focus. The Specialist also contributes to developing and delivering education programming such as workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities focused on intellectual property, commercialization, and entrepreneurship in key thematic areas including cell and gene therapy, neuroscience, and other strategic domains. 

Through these efforts, the Faculty Engagement Specialist helps build a vibrant, informed, and engaged faculty (and other campus innovator) community, supporting the broader Health Ventures mission to activate, fund, develop, and connect innovation that advances human health and strengthens UC Davis Health’s culture of commercial translation. 

Apply By Date 

December 19, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific; screening and selection can begin any time.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in business, life sciences, engineering or related field and/or equivalent training and experience.
• Proven professional experience demonstrating the ability to engage effectively with faculty, clinicians, or researchers.
• Strong understanding of the health or life sciences research and development lifecycle (e.g., therapeutics, devices, diagnostics, digital health).
• Knowledge of technology transfer and commercialization processes, including intellectual property, invention disclosure, licensing, and startup formation.
• Proven ability to support and implement faculty education or training programs related to commercialization, entrepreneurship, or translational research.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education or similar environments where collaboration, team building, inclusiveness, and working cooperatively are highly valued. 

Key Responsibilities

• 60% - Faculty Engagement in Commercial Translation
• 40% - Faculty Education in Commercial Translation

Department Overview

UC Davis Health Ventures is the human health innovation and commercialization hub within the Innovation and Economic Development Office. Based at Aggie Square, it connects researchers, clinicians, investors and industry partners to accelerate the development of human health-focused discoveries into market focused solutions. Health Ventures oversees a collaborative network supporting translational funding programs, industry partnerships, intellectual property commercialization and operates a dedicated Health Venture Studio and Fund. By fostering collaboration across campus and the Sacramento region, it helps advance breakthrough technologies from the lab to the market.

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $111,400/yr.- $229,800/yr. - Please note: This position is subject to a department maximum budgeted salary amount. 
• Salary Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Grade: Grade 26
• UC Job Title: IP OFCR 3
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8am –5pm
• Location: Aggie Square
• Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. 

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination 

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere 

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

To view full job description and submit an on-line application visit UC Davis Career Opportunities at 

http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=312521

Job ID # 82333

The University of California, Davis is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer