Venture Operations Associate

Venture Operations Associate

Job

6606

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

** SLAC Job Postings*
* *
* Position overview:

*
* SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's Office of Technology Transfer & Strategic Partnerships (TT&SP) is seeking an outstanding candidate to join the Compass team.

COMPASS (Commercialization Pathways for Accelerating Scientific Solutions) is a program supported by SLAC and Sandia National Laboratories. We're building a commercialization pathway to transform deep-tech research into venture-ready opportunities, by connecting the nation's leading researchers with investors and entrepreneurs ready to scale breakthrough innovations. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of science, startups, and venture, helping to turn high-impact laboratory research into investable companies.

As a Venture Operations Associate, you'll be a key member of the COMPASS team, helping to identify promising technologies, coordinate diligence sprints, and connect lab researchers with investors and founders. You'll work side-by-side with national lab teams, venture capital partners, and commercialization advisors to move ideas from discovery to market. This is a dynamic role for an individual who thrives in ambiguity and enjoys building new processes.

This position reports to the Technology Transfer Manager.

** Note** :
This is a 3-year fixed term position with the possibility of extension or conversion to a regular- continuing position.

** Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:*
* + Lead and support in evaluating early-stage technologies for commercial potential.

+ Evaluate and coordinate due diligence sprints with partners, investors, and founders.

+ Develop market briefs and opportunity assessments.

+ Support investor/founder matchmaking events and venture showcases.

+ Track investment interest, startup progress, and commercialization outcomes.

+ Collaborate across SLAC, Sandia, and other national labs to align commercialization activities.

+ Lead and manage programs or functions under minimal supervision.

+ Lead the planning and operations for programs or functions that have significant business, regulatory and/or technical challenges requiring subject matter expertise.

+ Evaluate programs or functions, policies and procedures. Identify issues and develop alternative solutions which may include changes to programs, policies and procedures.

+ Review and analyze trends to advise and develop recommendations to achieve or modify the goals of the program or function.

+ Represent the program or function within the department, unit or school by committing resources and provide information and/or training. Represent the program or function at the university level and/or to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies.

+ Manage and contribute to the development of outreach strategy that may include relationship development, communications and compliance.

+ May develop and/or oversee budgets; manage finances including monitoring, analyzing, forecasting, and reporting.

+ Assess training needs and may develop associated training.

+ May direct and/or supervise staff.

** Opportunities and Benefits:*
* + Work directly with national labs, investors, and founders to bring research to market.

+ Shape how the U.S. deep-tech ecosystem connects science and venture capital.

+ Be part of a mission-driven effort to accelerate commercialization and strengthen American innovation leadership.

** To be successful in this position you will bring:*
* + Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience in deep-tech entrepreneurship, venture investing, management consulting, or technical industry operations.

+ Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

+ Ability to translate technical concepts into clear market and business narratives.

+ Comfort operating in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment.

** In addition, preferred qualifications include:*
* + MBA or graduate technical degree.

+ Experience in a venture studio, accelerator, or startup environment.

+ Network in energy, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, or frontier innovation sectors.

** SLAC

Competencies:

*
* + Effective Decisions:  Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

+ Self-Development:
Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

+ Dependability:
Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

+ Initiative:
Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

+ Adaptability:
Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

+ Communication:
Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

+ Relationships:  Builds relationships to foster trust,…