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Director, Marketing and Communications

This role serves as DPI’s chief marketing and communications officer and is responsible for leading brand strategy development, ongoing management growth and evolution, and for overseeing communications and outreach strategy to support DPI’s goals to educate 7,000 learners per year, generate $200M in R&D revenue through grants and industry partnerships, and to build and attract tech businesses.

Deadline: April 16, 2023

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Director, Cannabis Research Institute

The Director provides intellectual, strategic, and visionary leadership for the success of the Cannabis Research Institute and grows it into an international center of excellence in cannabis-related research. They will develop research strategies and programs to enhance discoveries, build partnerships to advance research, and raise the R&D profile of Chicago, Illinois, in the country and abroad. They will expand the cannabis research program into new directions, taking account of the rapidly changing national and state landscapes for cannabis regulation and use. In particular, the Director will aim to bring a strong focus on sound science and science-based education to inform the City, State and public of cannabis, its production and use.

Deadline: April 17, 2023

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Visiting Entrepreneurs In Residence

DPI Entrepreneurs in Residence are responsible for advising the DPI Ventures Team during the assessment of technology and innovations from across the University of Illinois System and providing input to industry theses to identify opportunities for market disruption through new products and businesses. EIR’s will also step into the founder role for defined opportunities and launch new ventures. The New Ventures team includes technical experts in DPI’s Business Building organization, programs and capabilities of DPI’s Applied Research and Development group, and external industry advisory panels.

Deadline: April 19, 2023

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Associate Director of Teacher Training

The Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) invites applications for the Associate Director of Teacher Training. This position will play a critical role in advancing the goals of DPI’s Pritzker Tech Talent Community Education Unit, which is focused on expanding the diversity into computer science and tech learning pathways. This includes implementing programs and systemic strategies that support teachers and schools to deliver high quality computer science instruction. About DPI The Discovery Partners Institute empowers people to jumpstart their tech careers or companies in Chicago. Led by the University of Illinois System in partnership with top research universities, it does three things: Train people for high-demand tech jobs; conduct applied R&D; and support Chicago’s tech community. With state investment and a new innovation district in development, DPI has the resources to attract, develop, and leverage the most ambitious people and companies the region has to offer ? and keep them here.

Deadline: April 26, 2023

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Research Software Development Engineer/Senior Research Software Development Engineer

DPI invites nominations and applications for the position of (Sr.) Research Software Development Engineer. This position offers an extraordinary opportunity for versed engineers to build technology-based products and services. The (Sr.) Research Software Development Engineer will work closely with the system architect, other members of the cross-functional & cross-organizational teams, and external researchers/industry partners to create best-in-class scalable technology-based platforms and services, and solutions.

Deadline: May 8, 2023

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Venture Creation Lead

DPI is seeking a number of emerging entrepreneurs to take a central role in the development of startup companies based on innovative ideas and technologies developed at University of Illinois System campuses. Venture Creation Leads analyze innovations for technological merit, their ability to disrupt or expand markets, and the competitive business environment they serve. Innovation that exceed expectations and align with one or more of DPI’s investment strategies proceed on a path to new venture formation. The Venture Creation Lead then plays a key role in the company creation process, working with internal and external business, technical, and industry experts to create a sustainable startup company.

The Venture Creation Lead is responsible for aligning technology and innovations from across the University of Illinois System with a strategic industry thesis to identify opportunities for new products and businesses. Working with the Sector Directors on a project basis, the Lead will execute market analysis and opportunity evaluation to define and drive new ventures. There will be the opportunity for Leads to engage in launching the new businesses and possibly joining those new ventures.

The DPI New Business Ventures team is committed to increasing startup company development across the entire University of Illinois System. Our team includes entrepreneurs, senior executives, and experts in all aspects of company building who support, teach, and mentor Venture Creation Leads throughout the new venture development process.

Deadline: May 10, 2023

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Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist

DPI invites nominations and applications for Research Scientists and Senior Research Scientists. These roles offer an extraordinary opportunity to help shape and drive one of DPI core missions: Research & Development. These positions bring together research initiatives by coalescing teams of faculty and scientists across institutions and disciplines. Research Scientists are principal contributors in developing specific research project requirements and are responsible for all aspects of the project from conception to finding funding through execution.

Research Scientists must demonstrate leadership, for example, as principal investigator, as head of a defined research project, or as key interstitial members of research teams. They must provide overall program/project leadership and management, conduct and publish self-initiated research, conduct research across programs or projects, train and manage other researchers or staff, and participate in long-range research planning. Research Scientists are expected to work closely with both our internal R&D team members as well as the external members of our Science Teams. DPI is especially interested in supporting research that is relevant or provides economic benefit to the state of Illinois and has commercialization potential. Experience in commercialization is preferred.

Deadline: May 31, 2023

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Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

DPI invites nominations and applications for the position of Research Associate/Senior Research Associate. This role offers an opportunity to help shape and drive one of DPI’s core missions: Research & Development (R&D). They are expected to participate in research project design, development and execution through the production of independent research and by taking ownership of sub-projects within large multi-faceted R&D efforts. They should provide creative ideas and direction for their assigned projects and are expected to take initiative. Topics for research will vary but will be primarily related to computing and may include a range of approaches including AI/ML, IoT, cloud-based computing, statistics, simulations, and cybersecurity. DPI is especially interested in supporting research that is grounded in practice and has commercialization potential.

Research Associates must demonstrate independence in executing a particular research effort. They must be familiar with data collection, data analysis, programming (one or more languages), have subject-matter expertise in one or more areas, and have good verbal and written communication abilities necessary to produce scholarly work in scientific conferences as well as produce results that meet the professional demands of the industrial sectors. Research Associates are expected to work closely with both our internal R&D team members as well as collaborators in the University of Illinois and with other DPI partner institutions.

Deadline: May 31, 2023

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Software Development Educator

Reporting directly to the Director of Workforce Education, this position will play a critical role in implementing the software development instructional programs for adults within DPI’s Workforce Development unit, which is focused on expanding the diversity of our tech talent pipeline. At DPI, we are preparing adults with little or no tech experience to develop software development skills and launch a successful career in tech with an intentional focus on underrepresented and underserved populations. The ideal candidate has a passion for software development, beginner focused education, and social impact and is aligned with DPI’s mission to transform lives and diversify tech talent. Currently, this position is full-time in person in the downtown Chicago Loop.

Deadline: TBD

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