Director - Tech Innovation %26 Commercial

The Director of Technology Innovation & Commercialization will lead the identification, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies and intellectual property (IP) arising from clinical practice, biomedical and health services research, and digital health initiatives across Children's National Hospital and Children's National Research Institute. This role bridges scientific discovery, clinical needs, and market opportunities—advancing novel solutions from concept to impact. The Director will build an ecosystem that promotes innovation, fosters strategic partnerships with industry, and creates sustainable revenue through licensing, spinouts, and collaborations, all while supporting the institution's mission to improve child health and educating faculty and staff on these initiatives.

Minimum Education

Master's degree in biomedical sciences, engineering, business, or related field. (Required)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, JD or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, engineering, business, or related field. (Preferred)

Minimum Work Experience

10 years Minimum experience in technology commercialization, innovation management, or business development in life sciences, MedTech, or healthcare innovation. (Required)

5 years Progressively responsible supervisory/management in related job functions (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Proven success in bringing technologies from early-stage concepts to market adoption (licensing deals, partnerships, startup creation).
• Deep understanding of intellectual property management, research translation, and regulatory pathways in healthcare.
• Strong network within biopharma, MedTech, digital health, and venture investment communities.
• Ability to work with academic faculty and clinicians while balancing mission-driven and commercial priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to influence across a complex academic medical environment.
• Mission-Driven Innovator: Passion for improving pediatric health through innovation.
• Strategic Connector: Ability to link institutional capabilities with external market opportunities.
• Commercially Savvy: Skilled at balancing financial sustainability with academic mission.
• Collaborative Leader: Builds trust across diverse stakeholders (research, clinical, business); exceptional communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable with ambiguity, risk-taking, and creative problem-solving.

Functional Accountabilities

Innovation Leadership

• Establish and oversee a structured innovation program that encourages clinicians, researchers, and staff to develop and translate novel technologies ultimately for commercialization.
• Partner with clinical and research leaders to identify unmet pediatric health needs and technology-driven solutions (devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, digital health tools, AI/ML applications).
• Evaluate feasibility, scalability, and potential impact of new concepts.

Commercialization Strategy

• Manage intellectual property (IP) processes, including invention disclosure, IP protection, licensing strategy, and portfolio management.
• Build pathways for commercialization, including spinout company formation, licensing deals, co-development agreements, and joint ventures.
• Develop business models and value propositions that align with pediatric market realities and broader healthcare innovation.

Operational Excellence

• Lead a multidisciplinary team (innovation managers, licensing associates, business development specialists, with IP counsel and support).
• Establish transparent processes for technology evaluation, decision-making, and resource allocation.
• Track, report, and communicate outcomes of the innovation and commercialization portfolio to executive leadership.

Culture Building

• Foster an entrepreneurial culture among faculty, clinicians, and trainees.
• Provide education and mentorship on innovation, entrepreneurship, and translational pathways.
• Create recognition and reward systems for innovators within the institution.