Location: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN. This position is primarily an on-site role. Some flexibility may be available after the initial training and onboarding period.

Job Type: Full-time, 100%

Salary: $145,000-$165,000

Reports To: Executive Director, PPIC

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to develop strategic translation and commercialization vision and path at PPIC. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in translating research outputs and commercialization, particularly in alternative protein ingredients and products. This role will bridge research, industry, and entrepreneurship by facilitating technology transfer, identifying market opportunities, and engaging stakeholders to drive product development and commercialization. Additionally, the role will involve developing and managing a program dedicated to effectively help companies test and scale new technologies and products. Therefore, the commercialization lead, through the activities/responsibilities listed below, will facilitate the translation/commercialization of our research outputs and will aid in sustaining the growth of small and medium-size companies and business units within large companies. The commercialization lead will prioritize the development, scaling, and commercialization of plant proteins from sustainable sources, while navigating market trends to ensure relevancy. PPIC will facilitate access to resources, including technology licensing, shared facilities, manufacturing capacity, investors, prototyping support, and consumer and business development expertise. The commercialization lead will also work closely with the University of Minnesota Commercialization and Technology Transfer office to leverage intellectual property (IP) developed by PPIC to create case studies for commercialization. In addition, the commercialization lead will establish and cultivate value added networks with service partners and potential customers. The commercialization lead will work with the PPIC Executive Director to develop and execute a fundraising strategy for PPIC growth and sustainability. Through translation and commercialization activities, the commercialization lead is expected to generate revenue that will allow PPIC to grow organizationally while expanding funding acquisition efforts and research activities toward cyclic sustainability. The commercialization lead will be someone who thrives in a start-up mindset—comfortable with ambiguity, resourceful with limited inputs, and energized by building from the ground up. In short, the commercialization lead will work toward ensuring PPIC’s research successfully moves off the bench and into the market.

Key Responsibilities

Commercialization Lead (100%)

Develop and implement translation/commercialization strategies for PPIC, aligning with strategic priorities developed together with the Executive Director, advisory board and technical committee.
Develop a business plan to accelerate translation and commercialization, while generating revenue to allow for continuity of translational research.
Conduct market research and competitive analysis to assess potential commercialization pathways.
Position PPIC as a global leader in plant/alternative proteins through the development of commercialization strategies and industry collaborations.
Develop, budget and execute plans to enhance current infrastructure, resources, and operational models to support ingredient and food discovery, food product development, pilotscale production, product testing, and technology validation & technical due-diligence.
Work closely with PPIC Executive Director to develop a funding acquisition strategy, leveraging government grants, industry partnerships, philanthropic foundations, and crowdfunding to align with PPIC’s goals.
Support intellectual property (IP) management and licensing agreements in coordination with the University of Minnesota’s Commercialization and Technology Transfer office.
Leverage center-developed intellectual property (IP) to create case studies demonstrating successful commercialization pathways.
Translate our plant protein research efforts into commercial reality through evaluating scalability with key partners and the production of prototypes.
Specifically, collaborate with/advise researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to bring innovative sustainable protein ingredients, products and technologies to market.
Provide consultation to companies, giving guidance on commercialization and scaling.
Organize workshops, networking events, and training programs focused on scaling and commercialization best practices.
Develop marketing and outreach initiatives to promote research outcomes and translational successes.
Collaborate with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to strengthen the Center’s capabilities and impact.
Represent PPIC at industry trade shows and convenings to build out and cultivate network.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science or related field plus at least 10 years of experience.
Strong knowledge of intellectual property management, technology licensing, and technology transfer processes.
Proven record of successful commercialization and business development in the area of new
ingredients and products.

Preferred

MSc. or PhD in Food Science/Technology, Food Processing, Biochemistry or a related field, or a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
Minimum of 15 years of industry/academic experience in food research, development, and commercialization
Experience in building capabilities and resources, including food ingredients (specifically protein ingredients) assessment & food product development labs, food processing pilot plants, and sensory Centers.
Experience working with research institutions, startups, and industry partners.
Experience in analyzing market trends and developing strategic commercialization plans.
Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans.
Experience in fundraising within non-profit, research, or technology sectors.
Experience in project management and handling of multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Skilled in cross-functional collaboration

About the Department

About the Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC)

Housed in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences, The Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) is the first, and only, center of its kind in the nation dedicated to plant and alternative proteins research. The PPIC brings together interdisciplinary researchers and industry partners to address industry identified challenges and opportunities to develop a wealth of interdisciplinary research that brings to the supply chain new nutritious protein ingredients and products, starting from sustainable agricultural practices to ingredient development and application. PPIC’s vision is to serve as a premier global research and development nexus for the plant/alternative protein ecosystem — advancing technology, fostering collaboration, and driving education to deliver sustainable food solutions. PPIC strives to cultivate a novel ecosystem dedicated to advancing innovative research and commercialization of sustainable protein sources and solutions, while improving the lives of consumers around the globe. PPIC is already known nationally and internationally as a unique Center of excellence. The research conducted at PPIC is supported mostly by membership dollars, a limiting source of funding. In order to continue the growth, the reach, and the impact of PPIC, innovative research must be expanded, resources must be secured, and translation/commercialization must be attained. Our efforts at PPIC must be translated into actions that have a profound and positive impact on our environment, industry, and society. Through our research at PPIC we support breeding programs to develop sustainable crops with high protein value, we develop new technologies to produce protein ingredients and products, and we evaluate scalability and feasibility of production.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $145,000 - 165,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

A resume and cover letter is required for consideration.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Plant Protein Innovation Center jobs

Commercialization Lead