CU Innovations Idea Navigator Fellow

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and empowering students, faculty and staff to translate research into real-world healthcare solutions.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public education, clinical and research facility serving 4,500 students, and a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges, and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care. Read CU Anschutz Quick Facts here.

Department Summary: 
CU Innovations is working with researchers and clinicians to discover new treatment options, medical devices and innovative technologies to improve the lives and outcomes of patients. CU Innovations works directly with researchers, clinicians and external partners at the University of Colorado, and staff at UCHealth and at Children’s Hospital Colorado to commercialize their innovations. It is our mission to enable commercialization through the best route for a given technology and ensure that technologies can benefit patients.

Position Overview: 
The position of Idea Navigator Fellow, a part-time fellow-level role provides support to the Healthcare Innovation & Entrepreneurship (HIE) Initiative team in helping academic entrepreneurs navigate commercialization pathways and access key resources through the Healthcare Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative (HIE).

Nature of Work: 
The Idea Navigator Fellow will serve as a first point of contact for academic innovators reaching out to the Healthcare Innovation & Entrepreneurship (HIE) within CU Innovations.  This role is designed to help guide faculty and trainees to the appropriate resources, programs, and contacts across the innovation ecosystem.  The Idea Navigator Fellow will also support the day-to-day operations of the HIEI, help maintain educational and marketing content, and contribute to internal tracking of program activities and outcomes.

The Idea Navigator Fellow will work closely with the Product Manager and Project Managers on tasks such as responding to inventor inquiries, managing program logistics, supporting communications, and maintaining resource databases. This is an ideal position for individuals interested in technology commercialization, innovation strategy, or academic entrepreneurship.

Key Responsibilities: 
Support for Faculty Innovators & HIE Programs

• Respond to inventor inquiries submitted through the HIE intake process and route them to the appropriate internal resources.
• Help coordinate the Startup Toolbox program, including compiling marketing content and supporting microgrant logistics.
• Assist with tracking grant spending, invoice submission, and vendor coordination under the guidance of the Product Manager.
• Contribute to planning and logistics for events that promote innovation and faculty success stories.
• Learn best practices in agentic AI tools and deploy them in support of the Fellows’ key responsibilities.
  

Resource and Content Development

• Support Project Managers in updating and maintaining asynchronous educational resources (e.g., Roadmap to Patient Impact, Innovation Hub).
• Assist with internal documentation, content editing, and organizing key information in shared platforms.
• Help maintain the database of preferred service providers and their key capabilities. 

Communications & Operations

• Provide general support for internal and external communications, including drafting newsletters, announcements, and program materials.
• Track key metrics and help summarize program activities for internal reporting and evaluation.

Supervision Received: This position reports to the Product Manager for the HIE Initiative.
Supervision Exercised: None.

• Pursuing an advanced degree (PhD preferred) in life/health/physical sciences or in business with relevant knowledge of biological/life sciences or professional degree in health sciences (medicine, pharmacy, nursing, bioengineering)
• Bachelors degree from accredited institution

Preferred Qualification:

• Experience in scientific/technology review, business, marketing, sales, technical writing and/or licensing analysis

Competencies:

• Ability to develop and maintain a network of professional contacts
• Ability to work independently and to manage a large, diverse set of tasks and projects with attention to detail
• Highly self-motivated professional with exceptional analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills; written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to values and strong business ethics
• Strong knowledge of Excel including advanced functions.
• Ability to evaluate novel technologies from a technical and business standpoint
• Ability to identify business, commercialization, market, and regulatory resources needed by academic innovators

Wages and Benefits:
Wages are hourly at $20/hour.

Position Information:
This position will be part-time and is flexible to hybrid or remote work arrangements. It is expected to be a 6–12 month appointment, with the potential for renewal or transition based on performance and funding.

How to Apply:              
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position (only use if a cover letter is necessary)
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: [email protected]

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:        
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected].

Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.