Creation of Position: Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives

Provost Robert Barchi has announced the creation of a new Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives position. The search for the position, which will report directly to the Provost, will begin immediately. The new position will assume responsibility for the development and implementation of Penn's strategy for technology transfer and entrepreneurial initiatives as well as the University's Corporate Relations strategy. It will integrate Penn's involvement in regional economic development initiatives; develop a cohesive approach to commercialization and long-term multidimensional corporate relations; oversee the Center for Technology Transfer and the new Office of Corporate and Industrial Relations; and take an active role in entrepreneurial activities related to education.

"Although these critical strategic areas have previously existed at Penn, this new position brings them together in an integrated and coordinated way," said Provost Barchi. "The Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives will help us align our efforts with those of our faculty, making the best use of the intellectual property they inspire and help to spur economic development." He added that, "making sure that the University has a friendly, single open door to the commercial community" would be another benefit of the new position.

The position calls for a Ph.D. or M.D. or other advanced degree, preferably in a research or technology-related field. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience, preferably in a science-based industry such as life sciences or technology. Alternatively, the candidate will have industry experience in venture capital, investment banking, or intellectual property. The appropriate candidate will have the ability to develop and implement commercialization strategies as well as experience in crafting academic/industry partnerships. The ideal person will have experience negotiating, closing and implementing major deals.