University of Wisconsin-Madison
WCIC Business Development Director
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Res Prog Assoc Dir (B)
About the Role
The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking an experienced Plant Scientist to serve as the Center’s scientific and business ambassador. The Business Development Director will leverage technical expertise, professional networks, and industry presence to:
- Establish partnerships and expand externally funded projects
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with biotechnology companies, academics, non-profits, and industry partners
- Promote WCIC capabilities, generate new business opportunities, and secure research/service contracts
- Transition opportunities into actionable projects by defining scopes, technical approaches, timelines, and budgets
Position Overview
Department: The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center Employment Type: Regular, Full-time Reports To: Senior leadership within WCIC Starting Salary: $100,000 (negotiable) Benefits: Including generous PTO, health insurance, retirement plans (see FASL Benefits Guide)
Facility Background
WCIC is a ~100,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art complex housing sophisticated labs and greenhouses for:
- Transgenic and gene-edited plant production
- Analysis and improvement of crops for human, livestock, and environmental nutrition
The largest publicly held plant transformation facility in the U.S., WCIC is located 8 miles from UW-Madison’s central campus.
Key Responsibilities
Collaboration & Leadership
- Serve as bridge between WCIC and internal/external stakeholders (researchers, industry partners, policymakers)
- Supervise projects and staff (minimum 2.0 FTE employees), including hiring, performance management, and disciplinary procedures
- Advise project directors on technical approaches, budgeting, and program execution
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Business & Project Development
- Strategize WCIC’s business growth by:
- Identifying academic/industry partnerships
- Presenting at conferences/meetings (scientific or trade-focused)
- Negotiating/finalizing contract proposals and grant initiatives
Management: Financial & Staffing
- Develop unit resource plans and monitor personnel/budgetary needs (costing, expense tracking)
- Implement and manage strategic center programs (planning, delivery, evaluation)
Representation
- Cultivate credibility via industry/conference appearances as WCIC’s technical spokesperson
Qualifications
Required:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience:
- Proven background in plant biotechnology, genetics, or crop science techniques
- Demonstrated leadership: supervising team workflows, prioritizing tasks, or mentoring scientists/operators
- Budget/fiscal management: handling project costing, expense oversight, or funding planning
Preferred:
- Technical Depth in crop science, plant molecular biology, or biotechnology disciplines
- Grant/Sponsored Funding: Writing proposals and a track record of securing contracts
- Communication: Presenting complex science to diverse audiences (academic, non-expert stakeholders)
- Multitasking: Balancing multiple projects with shifting deadlines (industry liaison roles)
How to Apply
Current UW Staff: Visit Workday to access the internal application process.
All Applicants
Submit materials via the online portal under "Apply Now":
Required Uploads:
- Single attachment combining:
- Cover letter (tailor to Qualifications section)
- Resume
- (No separate files; omit attachments after primary file)
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Next Steps
- References (pre-filled): After finalists stage, submit 3 reference contacts (including one supervisor) via傳遞後通知系統. No pre-contact notices will be given to references unless required.
Fitness Requirements: Applicants must confirm eligibility for U.S. work authorization prior to appointment. Sponsorship is not available.
Additional Details
- Evaluation: Background checks and/or reference verification may apply.
- Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (Ct), M-F. Occasional evenings/weekends for meetings/travel.
- Contact: Dr. Sonia Parker | sonia.parker@wisc.edu | 608-890-2547
Diversity Statement
UW-Madison values diverse talent as critical to excellence. Our mission to advance research, education, and outreach—without regard to race, gender, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation—is enriched by collective expertise.
"UW-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer" includes protections for protected classes under federal/state regulations.
Disability/Pregnancy Accommodation: Request accommodations for application/selection phases via Divisional Disability Representative. Notify as soon as possible to ensure responsiveness.
Confidentiality: Applicant names remain private; only candidates’ identities are disclosed post-selection. (Referencing Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7))*
Resource Links
- Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (for injury/disability disclosure queries; contact University of Wisconsin Police Department)
- UW System EEO Policy for eligible candidates
- Human Resources Workplace Policy (for applicant/model posting rights)
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills