UK Innovate is seeking a UK Innovation Connect (UKIC) Manager, to coordinate its innovation-based economic development initiatives and its UK Innovation Connect program for industry research and innovation partnering dedicated specifically to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE). Reporting to the Executive Director for UK Innovation Connect, this position will be responsible for executing industry research partnering efforts for the UK CAFE, as a part of UK Innovate, the new innovation and entrepreneurship umbrella within University of Kentucky Research. The role will coordinate with local community, the state, and industry, as well as relevant CAFE departments, to leverage and catalyze the innovation and research strengths and capabilities of UK CAFE. The position will interact with industry and related organizations to facilitate partnering opportunities with UK CAFE’s world-class research. Build long-term and productive relationships with industry, including specific focus on partners and programs aligned with economic development missions and priority industries of the state. 

With dedication to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and informed through benchmarked research, this position will coordinate with UK’s Sponsored Programs Office, UK Legal, UK OTC, and other relevant units to develop, manage and streamline partnering frameworks, pricing structures, and agreements that enhance partnering opportunities for collaborative and community engaged research projects for CAFE. This position will be responsible for shepherding and guiding CAFE researchers and potential partners, as well as advising the UK Innovation Connect Executive Director, on economic development program and project opportunities that build value for CAFE and UK Research, including building programs to support increased participation in collaborations with small businesses through SBIR and STTR. 

The UKIC Manager will coordinate the building of new research consortia and community engagement opportunities that align with UK CAFÉ’s research strengths, state economic development missions and priority industries. This role will coordinate closely with and support UK Innovate in conducting frequent education for CAFE faculty, staff and students related to industry partnering best practices, innovative approaches to effectuate industry research collaborations, and to share related successes.

The University of Kentucky considers the health, safety and well-being of our entire community to be a top priority. In alignment with this priority, all new hires must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption as a condition of employment. For areas that fall under the federal CMS mandate, start of employment cannot occur until two weeks after receiving the full COVID-19 vaccination series or upon obtaining an approved exemption. Only vaccines approved by the World Health Organization can be accepted.