SRI International has been selected by the Government of Japan’s Cabinet Office to help implement the International Research Program (IRP), a flagship initiative under the Global Start-up Campus (GSC) Global Startup Campus – Official Site. As part of this effort, SRI is seeking a senior program manager to serve as a Venture Director (VD)—a role with exceptional autonomy and impact.
As a Venture Director you will design, launch, and lead ambitious deep-technology research programs addressing major economic, societal, and environmental challenges. The VD will have access up to $30M in research funding for the programs they design and oversee. This position is part-time, and fully remote within the US.
ResponsibilitiesWhat you’ll do:
- Conceive and lead high-risk, high-impact deep-tech research programs
- Select, mentor, and guide multidisciplinary research teams
- Manage multiple project teams simultaneously and make go / no-go funding decisions
- Engage with industry, government, and academic stakeholders in Japan and from around the world
Who you are:
- A senior technologist, researcher, or innovation leader
- 10+ years leading advanced research or deep-tech innovation (academia, industry, national labs, or startups)
- PhD or equivalent technical experience
- U.S. Citizenship required due to contract requirements.
- Strong track record in technology transition and stakeholder engagement
Key domains of interestAdvanced Connectivity & Compute • Smart Autonomous Systems (AI, robotics, sensors, digital twins)
Japanese language proficiency is not required. Familiarity with Japan is helpful.
The salary range is: $150,888-$249,910. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For almost 80 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.
Skills Required
- 10+ years leading advanced research or deep-technology innovation
- PhD or equivalent technical experience
- U.S. citizenship
- Strong track record in technology transition and stakeholder engagement
- Senior technologist, researcher, or innovation leader background
- Familiarity with Japan
- Japanese language proficiency
What We Do
SRI International is a nonprofit, independent research institute serving government and industry. We work on some of the world’s most important problems, collaborating across technical disciplines to spark new ideas and solutions. Our research and innovations have led to new industries and products that impact people’s lives every day—from the computer mouse and interactive computing to medical ultrasound, autonomous robots, natural language processing and much more. Working with government and industry partners, SRI brings its innovations to the marketplace through technology licensing, spin-off ventures and new product solutions. More information is available at www.sri.com. Read our blog: https://medium.com/dish Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/sri.intl Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SRI_Intl Subscribe to our YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/innovationSRI
