Director - Tech Innovation & Commercial (Washington)

The Director of Technology Innovation & Commercialization leads the identification, development, and commercialization of innovative technologies and intellectual property (IP) arising from clinical practice, biomedical and health services research, and digital health initiatives across Children\'s National Hospital and Children\'s National Research Institute. This role bridges scientific discovery, clinical needs, and market opportunitiesadvancing novel solutions from concept to impact. The Director will build an ecosystem that promotes innovation, fosters strategic partnerships with industry, and creates sustainable revenue through licensing, spinouts, and collaborations, all while supporting the institution\'s mission to improve child health and educating faculty and staff on these initiatives.
Master\'s degree in biomedical sciences, engineering, business, or related field. (Advanced degree (PhD, MD, PharmD, JD or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, engineering, business, or related field. (Minimum Work Experience
10 years Minimum experience in technology commercialization, innovation management, or business development in life sciences, MedTech, or healthcare innovation. (Proven success in bringing technologies from early-stage concepts to market adoption (licensing deals, partnerships, startup creation).
Deep understanding of intellectual property management, research translation, and regulatory pathways in healthcare.
Strong network within biopharma, MedTech, digital health, and venture investment communities.
Ability to work with academic faculty and clinicians while balancing mission-driven and commercial priorities.
Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to influence across a complex academic medical environment.
Passion for improving pediatric health through innovation.
Commercially Savvy: Skilled at balancing financial sustainability with academic mission.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable with ambiguity, risk-taking, and creative problem-solving.
Innovation Leadership
Establish and oversee a structured innovation program that encourages clinicians, researchers, and staff to develop and translate novel technologies ultimately for commercialization.
Partner with clinical and research leaders to identify unmet pediatric health needs and technology-driven solutions (devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, digital health tools, Artificial Intelligence (AI) /Machine Learning (ML) applications).
Build pathways for commercialization, including spinout company formation, licensing deals, co-development agreements, and joint ventures.
Develop business models and value propositions that align with pediatric market realities and broader healthcare innovation.
Lead a multidisciplinary team (innovation managers, licensing associates, business development specialists, with IP counsel and support).
Establish transparent processes for technology evaluation, decision-making, and resource allocation.
Track, report, and communicate outcomes of the innovation and commercialization portfolio to executive leadership.
Culture Building
Foster an entrepreneurial culture among faculty, clinicians, and trainees.
Provide education and mentorship on innovation, entrepreneurship, and translational pathways.
Work Locations : CN Hospital (Main Campus) 111 Michigan Avenue NW Washington 20010
Chief Academic Officer
Position Status: Regular - Full-Time
Shift: Day
Full-Time Salary Range
Full-Time Salary Range: 137550.4 - 229257.6
Childrens National Hospital is an equal opportunity employer that evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The Know Your Rights poster is available here: and the pay transparency policy is available here:Please note that it is the policy of Children\'s National Hospital to ensure a drug-free work environment: a workplace free from the illegal use, possession or distribution of controlled substances (as defined in the Controlled Substances Act), or the misuse of legal substances, by all staff (management, employees and contractors). Though recreational and medical marijuana are now legal in the District of Columbia, Children\'s National and its affiliates maintain the right, in accordance with our policy, to enforce a drug-free workplace, including prohibiting recreational or prescribed marijuana.
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