Entrepreneur In Residence - School of Computer Science - Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship

Carnegie Mellon University’s mission is to build a transformative educational, research, and service experience for students focused on deep disciplinary knowledge; problem solving; leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; and personal health and well-being. Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science (SCS) is widely recognized as one of the first and the best computer science programs in the world. Our programs train the next generation of innovators to take real-world problems and improve the way people live and work. Project Olympus is the startup incubator program for Carnegie Mellon University. We help students, faculty, staff, and alumni at all levels and all stages explore the commercial potential of their innovations and research.

The Innovation Commercialization Fellowship (ICF) is a year-long program through the Project Olympus incubator to help Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) research startups successfully commercialize breakthrough technologies. Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) serve as part-time coaches/mentors for startups participating in the Fellowship program.

The EIR will work with Project Olympus as part of the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship and other CMU research centers/institutes/departments for a period of 9 months – 1 academic year. The estimated time commitment is 10 - 15 hours per month, with a heavier commitment (15 hours/month during the months of September, October, and November) and lighter commitment the remainder of the year. Candidates, ideally, would reside in Western PA, as these positions may entail some onsite/hybrid work in the Pittsburgh region.

With a preference for CMU alumni, the EIR program would recruit successful entrepreneurs who are in transition. Typically, this transition would mean that they have recently sold or left their successful startup and are considering their career options for the future.

EIRs will be expected to be gateways to domain networks that will increase the probability of success at CMU generated startups. This includes access to capital, access to customers and access to talent for team building.

We are looking to hire three (3) EIR's. Applicants must have experience with at least one of the below industries listed:

• Clean Energy
• Generative AI & Cross-Domaine
• Autonomous & Sensor Technology

Core Responsibilities

• Attend program meetings as determined by Project Olympus leadership, this includes NSF I-Corps regional cohort meetings (fall), Lab to Market Commercialization course (fall), and other cohort meetings (fall and spring).
• Meet with the assigned mentees every other week to follow up on deliverables, and coach to increase knowledge and understanding of the elements of entrepreneurship
• Assist with identifying target markets and making connections for customer discovery interviews
• Brief the program administrators every other week on progress and/or issues with the teams. (Briefings can be in person, conference call and/or written reports upon mutual agreement.)

This is a great opportunity for someone to work in a creative, dedicated, driven team, in a collaborative environment committed to technical innovation, inclusion, and work-life balance.

The successful candidate will have considerable experience creating and leading innovative business ventures. They will have demonstrated knowledge of and experience in early-stage development and funding of companies, a history of building and maintaining critical relationships in the business and private capital sectors as well as a strong desire to develop and mentor entrepreneurs.

Qualifications:

• Experience working in Clean Energy, Generative AI & Cross-Domaine or Autonomous & Sensor Technology
• PhD in AI, Machine Learning, Robotics, Engineering, Physics or Chemistry is preferred
• Co-founder of one or more investor backed startup(s)
• C-Suite experience in investor backed startup(s)
• Proven track record for creating high growth startup(s)
• Proven network with VC, Angel and strategic investors
• Proven network with domain specific talent acquisition
• Proven network with domain specific customer acquisition
• Ten or more years of direct startup experience

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Academic Program Administration

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Part time

Pay Basis

Hourly

More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

• Statement of Assurance