HudsonAlpha - Director of Innovation Programs

Job Description

Job Description

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit organization dedicated to using genomics to improve life through developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning and commercialization. The HudsonAlpha campus co-locates nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs, educators and business leaders, and is home to more than 45 diverse biotech companies. The Institute's campus is located within the Cummings Research Park, the nation's second-largest research park, in Huntsville, Alabama. Additionally, HudsonAlpha began an initiative with the City of Dothan in 2022 to locate part of the campus in the Wiregrass area. HudsonAlpha is a national and international leader in genetics and genomics research and biotech and STEM education. To learn more about HudsonAlpha, visit hudsonalpha.org

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Innovation Programs is a senior leader responsible for executing and scaling HudsonAlpha's portfolio of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization programs. Serving as a trusted partner to the Vice President for Innovation & Economic Development, this role translates strategy into action across internal innovation programs, startup incubation, venture programs, company recruitment, and ecosystem partnerships.

JOB SPECIFIC TASKS

• Manage internal innovation and proof-of-concept programs and processes that advance HudsonAlpha discoveries toward commercial readiness.
• Support operations and strategy for HudsonAlpha's biotech incubator and venture programs in Huntsville and at the Wiregrass Innovation Center in Dothan.
• Drive startup scouting, evaluation, and recruitment aligned with HudsonAlpha's scientific and strategic priorities.
• Contribute to the design and launch of entrepreneurship and innovation programming, including founder education, mentoring, ecosystem events and technology accelerators.
• Administer HudsonAlpha's innovation portal used to track IP, internal innovation projects, stage progression, and associated startups; ensure data quality, adoption, and reporting.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with Alabama-based industry, government, academic, and economic-development partners.
• Execute strategic initiatives, track performance metrics, and continuously refine innovation programs.

EDUCATION AND REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE

Education and Experience:

• 5 - 10 years of experience in life sciences or advanced technology driving innovation management, entrepreneurship, research translation, venture development, or related role
• Proven track record of building and operating innovation, accelerator, or commercialization programs.
• Strong understanding of the biotech and life-science commercialization ecosystem.
• Experience with portfolio management systems, innovation platforms, or commercialization dashboards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, founders, investors, and public-sector stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and execution skills.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (PhD, MS, or equivalent) in science, engineering, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience in incubators, accelerators, venture studios, or tech transfer.
• Familiarity with translational funding mechanisms (e.g., proof-of-concept programs, SBIR/STTR, public-private partnerships).